U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Supporting Documents for Risk-Based Prioritization
3/18/2008
Supporting Documents for Initial Risk-Based Prioritization of High Production Volume
Chemicals
Chemical/Category: CAS No. 111-96-6, (bis(2-methoxyethyl)ether (Diglyme)
Contents:
•	Page 2: Screening-Level Risk Characterization, 3/14/2008
•	Page 6: Screening-Level Hazard Characterization, 2/21/2008
•	Page 16: Screening-Level Exposure Characterization, 3/14/2008

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QUALITATIVE SCREENING-LEVEL RISKCHARACTERIZATION FOR
Diglyme (CAS No. 111-96-6)
1. Background
The High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program1 is a voluntary initiative aimed at developing and making
publicly available screening-level health and environmental effects information on chemicals manufactured in or
imported into the United States (U.S.) in quantities greater than one million pounds per year. In the Challenge
Program, producers and importers of HPV chemicals voluntarily sponsor chemicals; sponsorship entails the
identification and initial assessment of the adequacy of existing toxicity data/information, conducting new testing if
adequate data do not exist, and making both new and existing data and information available to the public. Each
complete data submission contains data on 18 internationally agreed to "SIDS" (Screening Information Data Set1'2)
endpoints that are screening-level indicators of potential hazards (toxicity) for humans or the environment and
environmental fate.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) is evaluating the data
submitted in the HPV Challenge Program on approximately 1,400 sponsored chemicals. Data submitted to the
Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD) HPV Programme are also being evaluated.
OPPT developed a screening-level hazard characterization that consists of an objective evaluation, conducted
according to established EPA guidance2"3, of the quality and completeness of the data set provided and is based
primarily on hazard data provided by sponsors. The characterization does not draw conclusions regarding the
completeness of all data generated with respect to a specific chemical or mixture. The OECD SIDS documents
(SIDS Initial Assessment Profile; SIAP and SIDS Initial Assessment Report; SIAR) provide similar information.
Under both the HPV Challenge and OECD HPV Programs, chemicals that have similar chemical structures,
properties and biological activities may be grouped together and their data shared across the resulting category.
Evaluation of chemical category formation and data extrapolation(s) among category members is performed in
accord with established U.S. EPA1 and OECD4 guidance.
In 2006 and 2007, EPA received data on uses of and reasonably likely exposures to chemicals on the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory of existing chemicals, submitted in accordance with the requirements of
the Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) rule5. Information is collected every five years under IUR, promulgated
under the authority of section 8(a) of TSCA. The most recent reports pertain to chemicals manufactured in
(including imported into) the U.S. during calendar year 2005 in quantities of 25,000 pounds or more at a single site.
Information is reported on the identity of the chemical manufactured or imported and the quantity, physical form,
and number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed during manufacture of the chemical. For chemicals
manufactured or imported in quantities of 300,000 pounds or more at a single site during calendar year 2005,
additional information was reported on the industrial processing and uses of the chemical, the number of industrial
processing sites and of employees reasonably likely to be exposed to the chemical at these sites, the consumer and
commercial uses of the chemical and an indication whether the chemical is used in products intended for use by
children under 14 years of age.
For these qualitative screening-level risk characterization documents, EPA has reviewed the IUR data to evaluate
exposure potential. In addition, exposure information that may have become available through prior Agency actions
has been considered, as appropriate. The resulting exposure information has been combined with the screening-
level hazard characterizations to develop this qualitative screening-level risk characterization6'7. These screening-
level risk characterizations are technical documents intended to support subsequent decisions and actions by OPPT.
Accordingly, the document is not written with the goal of informing the general public. The purpose of the
1	U.S. EPA. High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program; http://www.eDa.gov/chemrtk/index.htm
2	U.S. EPA. HPV Challenge Program - Information Sources; http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/pubs/general/guidocs.htm.
3	U.S. EPA. Risk Assessment Guidelines; http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/raf/rafguid.cfm.
4	OECD. Guidance Document on the Development and Use of Chemical Categories;
http://www.oecd.Org/document/7/0.2340.en 2649 34379 1947463 111 1.00.html.
5	U.S. EPA - Basic IUR Information: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/iur/pubs/guidance/basic-information.htm
6	U.S. EPA Guidelines for Exposure Assessment; http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/raf/recordisplav.cfm?deid=15263
7	U.S. EPA. Risk Characterization Program; http://www.epa.gov/osa/spc/2riskchr.htm
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qualitative screening level risk characterizations is two-fold: to support initial risk-based decisions to prioritize
chemicals and inform risk management options and to identify data needs for individual chemicals or chemical
categories.
2.	Physical-Chemical Properties and Environmental Fate
This report was prepared using the best available data from a number of sources, but draws no conclusions regarding
whether additional relevant data may exist. Diglyme is a liquid at room temperature. It is miscible with water, has
high vapor pressure, and is not significantly volatile from water. It is highly mobile in soil, does not bioaccumulate
(is rated Bl), and does not hydrolyze under environmental pHs. In the atmosphere, it is expected to photodegrade
within one day. Based on experimental data for diglyme and analogs, biodegradation of diglyme is expected to be
slow and the substance is judged to be moderately persistent (P2).
3.	Hazard Characterization
Aquatic Organism Toxicity. The evaluation of available aquatic toxicity data for fish, aquatic invertebrates and
aquatic plants indicates the potential acute hazard of diglyme to aquatic organisms is low.
Human Health Toxicity. The acute toxicity of digly me to rats via the oral and inhalation routes of exposure is low.
The target organs for toxicity following repeated exposure to diglyme via inhalation were testes (decreased sperm
production) and bone marrow (atrophy). Other major effects were anemia (reduction in red blood cell count,
hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count) and lymphoid tissue atrophy of the spleen and thymus (in male and
female rats). Diglyme also affected pregnancy frequency and developing conceptuses (post-implantation loss, fetal
growth, viability morphological development). A reproductive toxicity test was not submitted to address the
reproductive toxicity endpoint, but data submitted from another, different test (dominant-lethal test in male rats)
indicates diglyme has the potential to cause reproductive toxicity. Submitted in vitro gene mutation and in vivo
chromosomal aberration tests indicated negative results.
The potential health hazard of diglyme is high based on repeated-dose toxicity to blood and blood-forming organs
and developmental toxicity at relatively low doses in animal studies. Available data also indicate diglyme has the
potential to cause reproductive toxicity.
4.	Exposure Characterization
This exposure characterization was completed using available 2006 Inventory Update Rule (IUR) submissions.
Data and information that are claimed Confidential Business Information (CBI) by the submitter were reviewed and
considered by EPA in preparing this assessment but are not disclosed in this summary.
In addition, the following sources were reviewed to identify exposure and use information: the HPV Challenge
Submissions, OECD SIDS Data, the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), OSHA PEL documentation, various databases
and public sources.
Diglyme was manufactured and/or imported in the United States in amounts ranging from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000
pounds in 2005. The HPV submission indicates that the chemical is used primarily as a specialty solvent in a wide
variety of applications (as a reaction solvent for Grignard-reactions, reduction-reactions, alkylation-reactions, and
organo-metallic reactions). Other applications include use in the coating industry and photolithography for the
manufacture of semiconductor chips. Specific examples of uses from non-CBI information include uses in sealants
and adhesives, automotive care products, and paints and coatings.
Exposure to Workers
The National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES), which was conducted between 1981 and 1983, estimated a
total of 207 workers potentially exposed to this chemical. Based on IUR reporting, the maximum total number of
workers likely to be exposed to this chemical during manufacturing and industrial processing and use is between 100
and 999. There may be additional potentially exposed workers that are not included in this estimate since not all
production volume has been accounted, and there is at least one use that contains a "Not Readily Obtainable" (NRO)
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response among the submissions. This chemical has a vapor pressure of 2.96 torr at 25°C. OPPT has established
0.001 torr as a value above which worker exposures to vapors should be estimated for chemical assessments.
Therefore, this chemical's vapor pressure could result in worker exposure to vapors if workers were near diglyme
liquid. This chemical does not have an OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit.
The IUR-based ranking for worker exposure is high.
Exposure to General Population and the Environment
The chemical is not on the Toxics Release Inventory. Based on use information, EPA assumes for the purpose of
this risk prioritization that there is potential for exposures to the general population and the environment. The IUR-
based ranking for the general population and the environment is high due to the assumption that there will be
exposure to this chemical.
Exposure to Commercial Workers and Consumers
Non-CBI IUR information indicates exposure to diglyme by commercial workers or consumers through adhesives
and sealants, automotive care products, and paints and coatings. Based on its vapor pressure as cited above, there
could be significant exposures to vapors if commercial workers or consumers are near products containing this
chemical. The IUR-based ranking for commercial workers and consumers is high due to the assumption that
diglyme is used in commercial worker/consumer products.
Exposure to Children
There is the possibility of exposure to children from products containing diglyme. The submitter(s) indicated that
the product use information for children was not readily obtainable. Thus, the IUR-based ranking for children's
exposure to diglyme is medium due to the assumption that it may be in products intended for use by children.
5. Risk Characterization
The statements and rationale provided below are intended solely for the purpose of this screening-level and
qualitative risk characterization and will be used for prioritizing substances for future work in the U.S. HPV
Challenge Program.
5.1. Risk Statement and Rationale
Potential Risk to Aquatic Organisms from Environmental Releases (LOW CONCERN): EPA assumes there is
potential for exposure to aquatic organisms from environmental releases. Although diglyme is considered
moderately persistent in the environment, it has a low acute aquatic toxicity hazard, which suggests a low
concern for potential risk to aquatic organisms from environmental releases.
Potential Risk to the General Population from Environmental Releases (MEDIUM CONCERN): EPA assumes
there is potential for exposure to the general population from environmental releases. Diglyme is considered to
be moderately persistent in the environment. The high concern for hazard to human health (at relatively low
doses in animal studies) combined with potential exposures suggests a medium concern for potential risk to the
general population from environmental releases.
Potential Risk to Workers (HIGH CONCERN): Available IUR data indicate that workers may be exposed to
diglyme. The high concern for hazard to human health (at relatively low doses in animal studies) combined
with the likely exposures that occur in occupational settings suggests a high concern for potential risk to
workers.
Potential Risk to Commercial Workers andConsumers from Known Uses (HIGH CONCERN): Available IUR
data indicate that commercial workers and consumers may be exposed to diglyme. The high concern for hazard
to human health (at relatively low doses in animal studies) combined with the possible exposures that occur in
both commercial worker and consumer use settings suggests a high concern for potential risk to both groups.
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Potential Risk to Children (HIGH CONCERN): Available IUR data indicate that children may be exposed to
diglyme. The high concern for hazard to human health is important in the case of children's health because
animal studies indicate this chemical is toxic to developing organisms at relatively low doses in animal studies.
Therefore, the high hazard concerns combined with possible exposures suggest a high concern for potential risk
to children.
5.2.	Uncertainties
Diglyme may have minor uses that were not reported in IUR.
5.3.	Data Needs
No data needs have been identified at this time.
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SCREENING-LEVEL HAZARD CHARACTERIZATION
OF HIGH PRODUCTION VOLUME CHEMICALS
SPONSORED CHEMICAL
Diglyme (CAS No. 111-96-6)
[9th CI Name: bis(2-Methoxyethyl) Ether]
August 2007
Revised: February 2008
Prepared by
High Production Volume Chemicals Branch
Risk Assessment Division
and
Exposure Assessment Branch
Economics, Exposure and Technology Division
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460-0001
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Supporting Documents for Risk-Based Prioritization
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SCREENING-LEVEL HAZARD CHARACTERIZATION
OF HIGH PRODUCTION VOLUME CHEMICALS
The High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program8 is a voluntary initiative aimed at developing and making
publicly available screening-level health and environmental effects information on chemicals manufactured in or
imported into the United States in quantities greater than one million pounds per year. In the Challenge Program,
producers and importers of HPV chemicals voluntarily sponsor chemicals; sponsorship entails the identification and
initial assessment of the adequacy of existing toxicity data/information, conducting new testing if adequate data do
not exist, and making both new and existing data and information available to the public. Each complete data
submission contains data on 18 internationally agreed to "SIDS" (Screening Information Data Set1'9) endpoints that
are screening-level indicators of potential hazards (toxicity) for humans or the environment.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) is evaluating the data
submitted in the HPV Challenge Program on approximately 1,400 sponsored chemicals. OPPT is using a hazard-
based screening process to prioritize review of the submissions. The hazard-based screening process consists of two
tiers described below briefly and in more detail on the Hazard Characterization website10.
Tier 1 is a computerized sorting process whereby key elements of a submitted data set are compared to established
criteria to "bin" chemicals/categories for OPPT review. This is an automated process performed on the data as
submitted by the sponsor. It does not include evaluation of the quality or completeness of the data.
In Tier 2, a screening-level hazard characterization is developed by EPA that consists of an objective evaluation of
the quality and completeness of the data set provided in the Challenge Program submissions. The evaluation is
performed according to established EPA guidance2'11 and is based primarily on hazard data provided by sponsors.
EPA may also include additional or updated hazard information of which EPA, sponsors or other parties have
become aware. The hazard characterization may also identify data gaps that will become the basis for a subsequent
data needs assessment where deemed necessary. Under the HPV Challenge Program, chemicals that have similar
chemical structures, properties and biological activities may be grouped together and their data shared across the
resulting category. This approach often significantly reduces the need for conducting tests for all endpoints for all
category members. As part of Tier 2, evaluation of chemical category rationale and composition and data
extrapolation(s) among category members is performed in accord with established EPA2 and OECD12 guidance.
The screening-level hazard characterizations that emerge from Tier 2 are important contributors to OPPT's existing
chemicals review process. These hazard characterizations are technical documents intended to support subsequent
decisions and actions by OPPT. Accordingly, the documents are not written with the goal of informing the general
public. However, they do provide a vehicle for public access to a concise assessment of the raw technical data on
HPV chemicals and provide information previously not readily available to the public. The public, including
sponsors, may offer comments on the hazard characterization documents.
The screening-level hazard characterizations, as the name indicates, do not evaluate the potential risks of a chemical
or a chemical category, but will serve as a starting point for such reviews. In 2007, EPA received data on uses of
and exposures to high-volume TSCA existing chemicals, submitted in accordance with the requirements of the
Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) rule. For the chemicals in the HPV Challenge Program, EPA will review the
IUR data to evaluate exposure potential. The resulting exposure information will then be combined with the
screening-level hazard characterizations to develop screening-level risk characterizations4'13. The screening-level
risk characterizations will inform EPA on the need for further work on individual chemicals or categories. Efforts
are currently underway to consider how best to utilize these screening-level risk characterizations as part of a risk-
based decision-making process on HPV chemicals which applies the results of the successful U.S. High Production
Volume Challenge Program and the IUR to support judgments concerning the need, if any, for further action.
8	U.S. EPA. High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program; http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/index.htm
9	U.S. EPA. HPV Challenge Program - Information Sources; http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/pubs/general/guidocs.htm.
10	U.S. EPA. HPV Chemicals Hazard Characterization website (http://www.epa.gov/hpvis/abouthc.html).
11	U.S. EPA. Risk Assessment Guidelines; http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/raf/rafguid.cfm.
12	OECD. Guidance on the Development and Use of Chemical Categories; http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/60/47/1947509.pdf.
13	U.S. EPA. Risk Characterization Program; http://www.epa.gov/osa/spc/2riskchr.htm.
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SCREENING-LEVEL HAZARD CHARACTERIZATION
Diglyme (CAS No. 111-96-6)
Introduction
The sponsor, Ferro Corporation, submitted a Test Plan and Robust Summaries to EPA for diglyme (CAS No.
111-96-6; 9th CI name: bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether) dated 31 December 2003. EPA posted the submission on the
ChemRTK HPV Challenge Website on March 4,2004
fhttp://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/pubs/summaries/diglvme/cl5023tc.htm). EPA comments were posted on 16
May 2005. Public comments were also received and posted to the website. The sponsor did not submit
updated/revised documents.
This screening-level hazard characterization is based primarily on the review of the test plan and robust summaries
of studies submitted by the sponsor(s) under the HPV Challenge Program. In preparing the hazard characterization,
EPA considered its own comments and public comments on the original submission as well as the sponsor's
responses to comments and revisions made to the submission. Summary tables of SIDS endpoints are provided
herein and the structure of the chemical is provided in the appendix. The screening-level hazard characterization for
environmental and human health toxicity is based largely on SIDS endpoints and is described according to
established EPA or OECD effect level definitions and hazard assessment practices.
Summim-( onclusion
Diglyme is a liquid at room temperature. It is miscible with water, has high vapor pressure, and is not significantly
volatile from water. It is highly mobile in soil, does not bioaccumulate (israted HI), and does not hvdrolv/.e under
environmental pi Is. In the atmosphere, it is expected to pholodegrade within one day. Based on experimental data
for diglvme and analogs, biodegradation of diglyme is expected to be slow and the substance is judged to be
moderately persistent (P2).
The evaluation of available aquatic toxicity data for fish, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants indicates the
potential acute hazard of diglyme to aquatic organisms is low.
The acute toxicity of diglyme to rats via oral and inhalation routes is low. The target organs for toxicity follow ing
repealed exposure lodiglyme via inhalation were testes (decreased sperm production) and bone marrow
(hypoplasia). ()lher major effects were anemia (reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and
platelet count) and lymphoid tissue atrophy of the spleen and thymus (in male and female rats). A reproductive
toxicity test w as not submitted to address the reproductive toxicity endpoint, but data submitted from a dominant-
lethal test indicates diglyme has the potential to cause reproductive toxicity in male rats. Diglyme affected
pregnancy frequency and developing eoneeptuses (post-implantalion loss, fetal growth, v iability morphological
development). Diglyme did not induce gene mutation in vitro or chromosomal aberrations in vivo.
The potential health hazard of diglyme is high based on repealed-dose (blood and blood-forming organs) and
developmental toxicity. Available data (dominant-lethal test) indicate that diglyme has the potential to cause
reproductive toxicity.
No data gaps were identified under the IIPV Challenge Program.
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1. Physical-Chemical Properties and Environmental Fate
This report was prepared using the best available data from a number of sources, including information from the
HPV test plan and robust summaries (Ferro, 2003), the Hazardous Substance Data Bank (HSDB, 2007) and
estimations usingEPI Suite™ (U.S. EPA, 2007).
Basic physical-chemical and environmental fate properties of diglyme are listed in Tables la and lb, respectively.
Physical-Chemical Properties Characterization
Diglyme is highly soluble in water and has a high vapor pressure.
Table la. Plnsical-Chemical Properties ori)i»l\me
Siriiilinv
H-,C^ /CL /CH,
3 O 0 3
Properly
Value/Descriplor
Reference
CAS Registry No.
111-96-6

IUPACname
1-methoxy -2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane

Molecular weight
134.17
HSDB (2007)
Physical state
Colorless liquid
HSDB (2007)
Melting point
-68° C (m)
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Boiling point
162° C at 760 mm Hg (m)
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Vapor pressure
2.96 mm Hg at 25°C (m)
3.49 hPa at 25°C
HSDB (2007)
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Water solubility
Miscible
>1000 g/L at 25°C (m)
HSDB (2007)
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Density
0.9451 g/cmi at 20°C
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Log Kow
-0.36 at 25° C (m)
Ferro Corporation (2003)
(m) denotes measured property.
Environmental Fate Characterization
Diglyme is not significantly volatile from water or moist soil surfaces. However, based on the high vapor pressure,
the potential for volatilization from dry soil exists. In the atmosphere, diglyme will exist solely in the vapor phase,
where it will be rapidly degraded by reaction with photochemicaHy produced hydroxyl radicals. Diglyme is
expected to be highly mobile in soil. It is not expected to undergo hydrolysis or direct photolysis in the environment
due to a lack of functional groups that are susceptible to these processes. In water, diglyms is not expected to adsorb
to sediment or particulate matter. Biodegradation may be a removal mechanism for diglyme in aerobic soil and
water based on data on compounds with similar structures, but data from OECD ready and inherent biodegradation
tests suggest that it will be relatively slow. Diglyme in soil has the potential to reach ground water resources due to
its high mobility and relatively slow expected rate of degradation. Persistence and bioaccumulation are qualitatively
characterized according to the criteria set forth in the PMN program (FR, 1999). As summarized in Table 2,
available data are consistent with moderate persistence (i.e. rating of P2). Diglyme is not significantly
bioaccumulative (i.e. it is rated Bl).
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Table 1Ix. Environmental Fate Properties of Diglvme
Property
Value/Descriptor
Reference
Photodegradation
Half-life = 7.33 hours (calculated)
Half-life = 1 day (calculated)
Ferro Corporation (2003)
HSDB (2007)
Aerobic degradation
Not Readily Biodegradable
The submitted data3 were considered inadequate by EPA
(U.S. EPA, 2005); however another studyb was identified
by EPA and was used to assess this endpoint
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Hydrolysis
Half-life = >1 year (calculated)
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Bioaccumulation
Not significant
Estimated log BCF = 0.5 (calculated; EPI Suite 3.20)
HSDB (2007)
U.S. EPA (2007)
Henry's Law Constant
5.2x10"' atm-mVmole (calculated)
HSDB (2007)
Direct photolysis
Not significant
HSDB (2007)
Koc
15 mL/g (estimated)
HSDB (2007)
Fugacity
Air: 0.505%
Water: 60.4%
Soil: 38.9%
Sediment: 0.113%
Ferro Corporation (2003)
Bioaccumulation rating
B1 (low)

Persistence rating
P2 (moderate)

11 No biodegradation observed in a closed-bottle test over a 5-day incubation period and 31-42% biodegradation
observed after 28 days in OECD Test Guideline 302B.
b 0-2% biodegradation after 28 days in OECD Test Guideline 310C; not readily biodegradable
rhttD://www.safe.nite.go.iD/enelish/kizon/KIZON start hazkizon.htmlY
2. Environmental Effects - Aquatic Toxicity
Acute Toxicity to Fish
Golden orfe (Leuciscus idus) were exposed to diglyme at nominal concentration of 2000 mg/L under static
conditions for 96 hours. No mortality was observed and no visible changes were evident at necropsy.
96-h LCso > 2000 mg/L
Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Invertebrate
Daphnia magna were exposed to diglyme at nominal concentrations of 100 or 1000 mg/L under static conditions for
48 hours. There were no adverse effects observed at either concentration.
48-h ECso > 1000 mg/L
Toxicity to Aquatic Plants
Green algae (Scenedesmus subcapitals) were exposed to diglyme at nominal concentration of 1000 mg/L for 72
hours. No other details were provided in the robust summary.
72-h EC50 (growth) > 1000 mg/L
Conclusion: The evaluation of available aquatic toxicity data for fish, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants
indicates the potential acute hazard of diglyme to aquatic organisms is low.
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3. Human Health Effects
Acute Oral Toxicity
(1) Male CD-I rats were administered diglyme in water via gavageat 1500- 23,000 mg/kg-bw and observed for 14
days. Clinical signs were restlessness unrest, disturbed sense of balance, prone position and reduced respiration rate.
At high doses, there was red discharge of a red secretion from the eyes. An Approximate Lethal Dose (ALD) of for
diglyme was calculated as 7500 mg/kg -bw.
LD50 = 7500 mg/kg-bw
Acute Inhalation Toxicity
Wistar rats (male and female) were exposed (nose only) to a saturated vapor of diglyme at greater than 11,000
mg/m* (11 - 14 mg/L) for 7 hours and observed 14 days after which they were sacrificed and subjected to a gross
necropsy. Clinical signs were restlessness, narrowing of palpebral fissures, and irregular breathing. No mortality
was seen.
LC50 > 11 - 14 mg/L
Repeated-Dose Toxicity
(1)	Groups of 20 male and 10 female rats (Crl:CDlBR) were exposed (nose only) to diglyme vapor at 0 (control),
110, 370 or 1100 ppm (approximately 0.6, 2.0 or 6.0 mg/L/day), 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. Five
rats/sex/group were sacrificed after the tenth exposure and after a 2-week recovery period. The remaining five male
rats/group each were sacrificed after 6- and 12-week recovery periods. Overall, male rats were more sensitive than
females. In males, the primary target organs were thymus and reproductive organs (testes, epididymes, seminal
vesicles and prostate). Stage specific germ cell damage occurred at all concentrations and the effects were both
concentration- and time-dependent. Other treatment-related effects noted in males at every test concentration were
decreased leukocyte counts at the end of the exposure period and statistically significantly (p < 0.05) lower mean
body weights throughout the treatment period. At 1100 ppm, there was anemia (decreased red blood cell count,
hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count) and hematopoietic tissue atrophy (minimal to severe bone marrow
hypoplasia and lymphoid tissue, atrophy of the spleen and thymus (in male and female rats) and reduced absolute
and relative weights of male reproductive organs (concentration response is unclear because data and statistical
analyses are not provided for relative organ weights). Evidence of hematopoietic effects in males was not seen after
42 days of recovery. The LOAEL in males was 110 ppm based on testicular atrophy, germ cell damage, reduced
leukocyte count, and lower mean body weight. Data evaluation suggested a LOAEL for females of 1100 ppm based
on anemia (decreased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count), reduced leukocyte count,
increased relative liver weight, and atrophy of hematopoietic tissues (minimal to severe bone marrow hypoplasia
and lymphoid tissue atrophy of the spleen and thymus); the NOAEL was 370 ppm. NOAELs/LOAELs in this study
were as follows:
LOAEL (male) ~ 0.60 mg/L/day (based on testicular effects)
NOAEL (male) = Not established
LOAEL (female) ~ 6.0 mg/L/day (based on hemolytic effects)
NOAEL (female) ~ 2 mg/L/day
The data summarized were from the only repeated-dose toxicity study provided by the sponsor. EPA considered the
14-day study adequate to address the endpoint for the purposes of the HPV Challenge Program because the effects
on male reproductive organs were seen at the lowest concentration tested. The study was conducted according to
GLP and the summary provided thorough details. A 28-day study (the minimum requirement to address the
endpoint) would be expected to show similar, possibly exacerbated, effects. A 90-day study would strengthen the
assessment by establishing NOAELs/LOAELs to properly assess systemic toxicity and characterize the hazards of
diglyme.
(2)	A very short description was presented in the test plan of a rat inhalation study using 0, 3.1, 9.9, 30, or 98 ppm
concentrations (10 exposures followed by a 14-day recovery period), that confirms the study described above,
although no robust summary for this study was provided. This study established a NOAEL of 30 ppm and a
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LOAEL of 98 ppm (approximately 0.5 mg/L/day) for male rat reproductive effects, which is consistent with the
study described above.
Reproductive Toxicity
A reproductive toxicity test was not submitted to address the reproductive toxicity endpoint. Data submitted for the
following test indicates diglyme has the potential to cause reproductive toxicity via male germ cell mutations.
In a dominant-lethal test, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (10/dose) were exposed via inhalation to diglyme at 0,
250 or 1000 ppm (approximately 1.4 or 5.5 mg/L/day) for 7 hours/day for 5 days. After the exposure period, the rats
were serially mated with untreated virgin females, two females per male. The females were sacrificed 17 days after
first being caged with exposed males and examined for evidence of pregnancy. Exposure of male rats to 1000 ppm
diglyme was associated with a significant reduction in the pregnancy rate where only 50% of mated females showed
evidence of implantations. The pregnancy rate was further reduced in weeks 5, 6 and 7 of mating to about 10% in
females that were mated with males exposed to 1000 ppm diglyme. Diglyme also affected male fertility and
embryonic development.
Developmental Toxicity
Pregnant CD-I mice were administered diglyme via gavage at 0 (water), 62.5, 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg-bw/day daily
during gestation days 6-15 and were sacrificed on day 17. Uterine contents were evaluated for the number of
implantations, resorptions, late fetal deaths and live fetuses. Skeletal and external morphological abnormalities and
visceral examinations of fetuses were conducted. Maternal body, uterus and liver weights were significantly
decreased at the two high doses. Doses of 125 mg/kg-bw/day and above produced adverse effects on fetal growth,
percent implantations, post implantation losses, fetal viability and fetal morphological development. At the highest
dose, 94% of the fetuses were malformed compared to 0.35% of the fetuses in the control group.
LOAEL (maternal toxicity) = 250 mg/kg-bw/day (based on decreases in body, uterus and liver weights)
NOAEL (maternal toxicity) = 125 mg/kg-bw/day
LOAEL (developmental toxicity) = 125 mg/kg-bw/day (based on adverse effects on fetal growth, fetal viability
and morphological development and malformations)
NOAEL (developmental toxicity) = 62.5 mg/kg-bw/day
Genetic Toxicity - Gene Mutation
In vitro
Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537 were exposed to diglyme at concentrations of
0, 100, 333, 1000, 3333 and 10,000 |ig/plate in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. No cytotoxicity
was observed at any concentration. Positive controls were tested concurrently but their responses were not
provided. Diglyme was non-mutagenic in the presence and absence of metabolic activation in all four strains.
Diglyme was not mutagenic in this assay.
Genetic Toxicity -Chromosomal Aberrations
In vivo
Sprague-Dawley rats (10/sex/dose) were exposed to diglyme vapor at 0, 250 or 1000 ppm for 7 hours/day for 1 or 5
days. Animals exposed for one day only were sampled at 6, 24 and 48 hours after exposure and animals exposed for
5 days were sampled 6 hours after exposure. After the last exposure animals were injected with colchicine 2 hours
prior to sacrifice, at which time bone marrow was removed, fixed and stained for examination of metaphase (50
metaphases per rat were scored). Positive controls responded appropriately. The only significant increase in
abberations occurred in one low-dose male exposed for 1 day. A slight increase in total aberrations was also
observed in males exposed to 250 ppm. The increase in aberrations was observed only in males and was not dose-
related. The robust summary includes very brief summaries of other studies that support the non-clastogenic
findings of this study.
Diglyme did not induce chromosomal aberrations in this assay.
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Conclusion: The acute toxicity of diglyme to rats via oral and inhalation routes is low. The target organs for
toxicity following repeated exposure to diglyme via inhalation were testes (decreased sperm production) and bone
marrow (hypoplasia). Other major effects were anemia (reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit
and platelet count) and lymphoid tissue atrophy of the spleen and thymus (in male and female rats). A reproductive
toxicity test was not submitted to address the reproductive toxicity endpoint, but data submitted from a dominant-
lethal test indicates diglyme has the potential to cause reproductive toxicity in male rats. Diglyme affected
pregnancy frequency and developing conceptuses (post-implantation loss, fetal growth, viability morphological
development). Diglyme did not induce gene mutation in vitro or chromosomal aberrations in vivo.
The potential health hazard of diglyme is high based on repeated-dose (blood and blood-forming organs) and
developmental toxicity. Available data (dominant-lethal test) indicate that diglyme has the potential to cause
reproductive toxicity.
4.	Hazard Characterization
Diglyme is a liquid at room temperature. It is miscible with water, has high vapor pressure, and is not significantly
volatile from water. It is highly mobile in soil, does not bioaccumulate (is rated Bl), and does not hydrolyze under
environmental pHs. In the atmosphere, it is expected to photodegrade within one day. Based on experimental data
for diglyme and analogs, biodegradation of diglyme is expected to be slow and the substance is judged to be
moderately persistent (P2).
The evaluation of available aquatic toxicity data for fish, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants indicates the
potential acute hazard of diglyme to aquatic organisms is low.
The acute toxicity of diglyme to rats via oral and inhalation routes is low. The target organs for toxicity following
repeated exposure to diglyme via inhalation were testes (decreased sperm production) and bone marrow
(hypoplasia). Other major effects were anemia (reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and
platelet count) and lymphoid tissue atrophy of the spleen and thymus (in male and female rats). A reproductive
toxicity test was not submitted to address the reproductive toxicity endpoint, but data submitted from a dominant-
lethal test indicates diglyme has the potential to cause reproductive toxicity in male rats. Diglyme affected
pregnancy frequency and developing conceptuses (post-implantation loss, fetal growth, viability morphological
development). Diglyme did not induce gene mutation in vitro or chromosomal aberrations in vivo.
The potential health hazard of diglyme is high based on repeated-dose (blood and blood-forming organs) and
developmental toxicity. Available data (dominant-lethal test) indicate that diglyme has the potential to cause
reproductive toxicity.
5.	Data Gaps
No data gaps were identified under the HPV Challenge Program.
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APPENDIX
Summary Table of the Screening Information Data Set
as Submitted under the U.S. HPV Challenge Program
Endpoints
SPONSORED CHEMICAL
Diglyme
(111 -96-6)
Summary of Environmental Effects-Aquatic Toxicity Data
Fish
96-h LC50 (mg/L)
>2000
Aquatic Invertebrates
48-h EC 50 (mg/L)
> 1000
Aquatic Plants
72-h EC 50 (mg/L)
(growth)
> 1000
Summary of Human Health Data
Acute Oral Toxicity
LD50 (mg/kg-bw)
7500
Acute Inhalation Toxicity
LCSo (mg/L/6h/day)
>11-14
Repeated-Dose Toxicity
NOAEL/LOAEL (mg/L/day)
Inhalation
LOAEL (male) -0.60 (14-d)
LOAEL (female) -6.0 (14-d))
Reproductive Toxicity
NOAEL/LOAEL (mg/kg-bw/day)
A reproductive toxicity test was not submitted to address the
reproductive toxicity endpoint. Data submitted from a dominant-
lethal test indicate diglyme has the potential to cause reproductive
toxicity via male germ cell mutations.
Developmental Toxicity
NOAEL/LOAEL (mg/kg-bw/day)
Maternal Toxicity
Developmental Toxicity
LOAEL = 250
NOAEL = 125
LOAEL = 125
NOAEL = 62.5
Genetic Toxicity - Gene Mutation
In vitro
Negative
Genetic Toxicity - Chromosomal Aberrations
In vitro
Negative
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REFERENCES
Ferro Corporation. 2003. Diglyme. Robust Summaries & Test Plans. Submitted to U.S. EPA HPV Challenge
Program, http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/pubs/summaries/diglvme/cl5023tc.htm
FR 1999, Category for Persistent, Bio accumulative, and Toxic New Chemical Substances. Federal Register 64,
Number 213 (November 4, 1999) Page 60194-60204
HSDB. 2007. Hazard Substances Data Base. As cited in HSDB record for Diglyme. Accessed August 28, 2007.
http: //toxnet. nlm. nih. gov/c gi-bin/si s/html gen?H SDB.
OECD. 2006. Revised Introduction to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals, Section 3 (adopted 23 March 2006), paragraph 36. Available from Source
OECD at http://masetto.sourceoecd.org.
USEPA. 2005. COMMENTS ON ROBUST SUMMARIES & TEST PLANS: DIGLYME
http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/pubs/summaries/diglvme/cl5023tc.htm
US EPA. 2000. Interim Guidance for Using Ready and Inherent Biodegradability Tests to Derive Input Data for
Multimedia Models and Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWT) Models (9/1/2000). Part 2, Using Ready and Inherent
Biodegradability Data to Derive Input Data for the EQC Model, Table 1.
http://www.epa.gOv/oppt/exposure/pubs/halflife.htm#eac.
USEPA. 2007. EPI Suite™ (version 3.2) PC-Computer software developed by the EPA Office of Pollution
Prevention Toxics and Syracuse Research Corporation, http: //www .epa.gov/opptintr/expo sure/pub s/epi suite. htm
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Screening Level Exposure Characterization for HPV
Challenge Chemical
Bis (2-Methoxyethyl) ether
(Diglyme)
CAS #111-96-6
March 14, 2008
Prepared by
Exposure Assessment Branch
Chemical Engineering Branch
Economics Exposure and Technology Division
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460-0001
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Screening Level Exposure Characterization for HPV
Challenge Chemical
Bis (2-Methoxyethyl) ethe r
(Diglyme)
CAS #111-96-6
Non-CBI Executive Summary
Diglyme [bis (2-methoxyethyl) ether] is used as a reaction solvent for Grignard-reactions,
reduction-reactions, alkylation-reactions, and organo-metallic reactions in general. Other
applications include in the coating industry and in photolithography for manufacture of
semiconductor chips (Ferro, 2003).
Diglyme was manufactured and/or imported in the United States in calendar year 2005 (USEPA,
2006). This chemical has an aggregated volume produced and/or imported in the range of one
million to ten million pounds. Persons submitting Inventory Update Reporting (IUR)
information in 2006 asserted that some of the information was confidential business information
(CBI) and therefore cannot be disclosed. Data and information that are CBI have been excluded
from this summary.
Exposure was characterized using both public, non-confidential sources and one or more IUR
submissions available at the time the exposure characterization was written. If additional
information warrants an update of the exposure characterization, the update will be posted on the
EPA website.
The chemical is not on the Toxics Release Inventory (USEPA, 2007a). A SIDS dossier has not
been prepared for this chemical.
Exposure to Workers
This chemical has a vapor pressure of 2.96 torr at 25°C (USEPA, 2007b). OPPT has established
0.001 torr as a value above which worker exposures to vapors should be estimated for chemical
assessments. Therefore, this chemical's vapor pressure could result in worker exposure to vapors
if workers were proximal to the liquid. This chemical does not have an OSHA Permissible
Exposure Limit (NIOSH, 2007). The National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES), which
was conducted between 1981 and 1983, estimated a total of 207 workers potentially exposed to
this chemical (NIOSH, 2007b). Based on IUR reporting, the maximum total number of workers
likely to be exposed to this chemical during manufacturing and industrial processing and use is
between 100 and 999. There may be additional potentially exposed workers that are not included
in this estimate since not all production volume has been accounted, and there is at least one use
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that contains a "Not Readily Obtainable" (NRO) response among the submissions. The IUR
based ranking for worker exposure is high.
Differences between numbers of workers estimated by IUR submitters and by the NOES are
attributable to many factors, including time, scope, and method of the estimates. For example,
NOES estimates are for all workplaces while IUR are for industrial workplaces only, and NOES
used a survey and extrapolation method while IUR submitters simply provide their best estimates
based on available information for the specific reporting year.
Exposure to General Population and the Environment
The chemical is not on the Toxics Release Inventory (USEPA, 2007a). Based on the totality of
the information considered and expert judgment, it is assumed that potential environmental
releases and subsequent exposures to the general population and the environment are likely.
EPA assumes, for the purpose of this risk based prioritization, that the potential for exposures to
the general population and the environment is high.
Diglyme is stable in water and not readily biodegradable; therefore diglyme is moderately
persistent (P2). Diglyme is (Bl) for bioaccumulation because its estimated BCF is 0.3 (USEPA,
2007b).
Exposure to Commercial Workers and Consumers
This chemical has a vapor pressure of 2.96 torr at 25°C (USEPA, 2007b). OPPT has established
0.001 torr as a value above which worker exposures to vapors should be estimated for chemical
assessments. Therefore, this chemical's vapor pressure could result in worker exposure to vapors
if workers were proximal to the liquid. Non-CBI IUR information indicates exposure to diglyme
by commercial workers or consumers through adhesives and sealants, automotive care products,
and paints and coatings. The IUR ranking for commercial workers and consumers is high due to
the likelihood that there will be exposure to this chemical.
Exposure to Children
There is the possibility of exposure to children from products containing diglyme. The
submitter(s) indicated that the product use information for children was not readily obtainable.
The IUR ranking for children exposure is moderate that this chemical is used in products
intended to be used by children, but there is uncertainty in the IUR data.
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References
Ferro, 2003. Diglyme U.S. EPA HPV Challenge Program Submission. Ferro Corporation. 29
December 2003. http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/pubs/summaries/diglyme/cl5023tp.pdf
HSDB, 2007. Hazardous Substances Data Bank. Accessed December 2007, DIETHYLENE
GLYCOL DIMETHYL ETHER http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-
bin/sis/search/f?.temp/~9aU4jq: 1
NIOSH, 2007. OSHA PEL Project Documentation. Accessed August, 2007.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pel88/npelcas.html
NIOSH, 2007b. National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES). Accessed December 2007.
http://www.cdc.gov/noes/noes2/83728occ.html
USEPA, 2006. 2006 Partial Updating of TSCA Chemical Inventory.
USEPA, 2007a. Toxic Release Inventory. Accessed August, 2007. http://www.epa.gov/tri/
USEPA 2007b. Physical/Chemical and Environmental Fate Characterization for High Production
Volume Chemicals Chemical Name: Diglyme
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