Ethyl Alcohol
- Other solvents
- CAS 64-17-5
- IUPAC: Ethanol
Mild irritant at typical use concentrations. No carcinogenicity, sensitization, or organ toxicity concerns at consumer exposure levels. Classified as a flammable liquid (H225) — keep away from ignition sources. The main occupational hazard is CNS effects at high inhalation doses that are not realistic in consumer use.
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is the same alcohol in beverages, used industrially as a fast-evaporating solvent and cleaning agent. At 1–5% concentrations in aerosol formulations, it contributes to surface cleaning and rapid film-free drying.
Health classification is H225 (highly flammable liquid) and, at high concentrations, H319 (mild eye irritation). At 1–5% in an aerosol formulation, the inhalation dose is trivially small. No Prop 65 listing. Readily biodegradable in aerobic and anaerobic conditions — essentially complete within days.
Not to be confused with isopropyl alcohol (CAS 67-63-0), which is a different solvent with a higher boiling point and slightly different cleaning profile.
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
1 product contain this
- Adam's Polishes Aerosol Glass Cleaner
glass-cleaner
Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.