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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Ethyl Acetate

  • Esters
  • CAS 141-78-6
  • IUPAC: Ethyl acetate

Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

H319 (eye irritation Cat 2) and H336 (narcosis/dizziness) at mixture level in some formulations. OSHA PEL 400 ppm TWA. No Prop 65 listing. Not classified as a carcinogen or reproductive toxin. Relatively low acute toxicity — LD50 oral rat ~5620 mg/kg. Primary exposure route in touch-up paints is inhalation; good ventilation is the primary control.

Ethyl acetate is a widely used ester solvent with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor. It is a co-solvent in acrylic lacquers, touch-up paints, nail polish removers, and specialty coatings where a moderate evaporation rate and reasonable solvent power are required. Its environmental and toxicological profile is comparatively favorable among common VOC solvents — it is readily biodegradable, not aquatically toxic at relevant exposure levels, and carries no Prop 65 listing.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Ester solvent; co-solvent in lacquers, touch-up paints, and nail polish removers; moderate evaporation rate and relatively low toxicity vs. ketone solvents

Common questions about Ethyl Acetate

What is Ethyl Acetate used for in car care?
Ester solvent; co-solvent in lacquers, touch-up paints, and nail polish removers; moderate evaporation rate and relatively low toxicity vs. ketone solvents
Is Ethyl Acetate a VOC?
Yes. Ethyl Acetate is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Ethyl Acetate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Ethyl Acetate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Ethyl Acetate biodegradable?
Yes. Ethyl Acetate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.