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Ethylene Glycol Research Paper

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Ethylene glycol -Overview
Ethylene Glycol is a clear, odourless liquid with a syrup like consistency and a sweet taste. It has low vapour pressure and it is combustible. Ethylene glycol may also be called mono ethyl glycol or ethane 1,2-diol.
Ethylene glycol is produced commercially on a large scale and commonly used as a de-icer and antifreeze due to its solvent properties. It is used in industrial compound due to its high boiling point and low freezing point. Ethylene glycol is used in many consumer products, including hydraulic brake fluid, paints, inks and pens. It is also used in chemical synthesis of plastic, solvents and films1. Ethylene glycol may enter the environment from these sources. …show more content…

It is metabolized in the liver by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase which forms glycolaldehyde.. After interacting with aldehyde dehydrogenase, ethylene glycol is metabolized to glycolic acid which causes acidosis. This glycolate is then transformed into glyoxylic acid and the molecule is converted into a highly toxic oxalate1. Calcium oxalate may

accumulate in the blood and tissues resulting in hypocalcemia. Precipitation in the renal cortex may decrease glomerular filtration and cause renal insufficiency.
Upon oral ingestion, it is quickly absorbed and serum levels peak within 1-4 hours. Most are metabolized to toxic compounds and less than 20% is excreted without being metabolized.

Health Effects

Ethylene glycol is irritating to the mucous membranes and skin after prolonged contact.
A characteristic of toxic effect progression can be categorised into 3 stages:
• Stage 1: From 30 minutes to 12 hours, unmetabolized ethylene glycol results in hyperosmolarity, intoxication and CNS

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