Ethanol is a strongly-smelling, volatile, flammable liquid – so yes, the short answer is that ethanol is hazardous! Ethanol was first discovered as a by-product of fermenting alcohol, has been used in chemistry since the 1850s, and due to its versatility is now widely used in industry and homes around the world.
Despite being common and having myriad uses, ethanol is a hazardous chemical and should be treated with care.
In this post:
Key Takeaways
Ethanol is the only drinkable alcohol even at high concentrations. It is the active ingredient of alcoholic drinks (but that doesn’t mean we recommend drinking too much!)
Ethanol has several hazardous properties; it’s flammable and lethal when drunk in its pure form
Safety precautions should be taken when handling it in an industrial setting, such as wearing PPE
Ethanol should be stored in stainless steel containers in industrial settings
Ethanol’s Chemical Properties
Ethanol is an organic compound derivative of ethane. However, it is generally manufactured by fermenting sugars in grains, and purified by being distilled.
Ethanol has the chemical formula CH3CH2OH with a melting point of -117.3°C and a boiling point of 78.5°C. Just like other alcohols, it is miscible with water but it is volatile and flammable. Ethanol reacts with certain acids to form esters, and it can be converted to acetic acid and acetaldehyde through oxidation.
Introduction to Ethanol Hazards
There are a number of reasons why ethanol is hazardous:
Ethanol’s Flammability Risks
Ethanol and its vapour are highly flammable, so it’s important to know its flash points. The vapour can catch fire at 13 °C and is easily ignited by heat or sparks. When mixed with air the vapour is explosive, and can travel to the ignition point and flash back. It can spread along the ground and collect in compact areas such as tanks, and is a hazard both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, if containers of ethanol are heated there is a possibility they will explode. When heated until it burns, ethanol gives off acrid smoke and fumes.
Ethanol Can Be Lethal When Consumed
Ethanol is not fit for human consumption in its pure form, even though it is consumed in alcoholic drinks. If it is drunk in its pure form, it can be lethal or cause coma. It also causes organ damage, irritate mucous membranes, and ongoing research suggests it may be a carcinogen.
Health Risks of Ethanol Exposure
Exposure to ethanol by breathing in vapours or contact with skin can cause local irritation. Contact with your eyes can cause immediate stinging pain, but may not cause a serious injury.
Safety Guidelines For Handling Ethanol
In an industrial context it’s important to follow safety guidelines when handling ethanol. Protective clothing should be worn, such as:
- Respirator
- Boots
- Rubber gloves
- Industrial aprons
- Overalls
- Safety glasses
- Face mask
At home, it’s equally important to make sure that you and anyone else aren’t exposed to ethanol. You can do this by:
- Using small amounts of ethanol
- Making sure the room is well ventilated
- Ensuring there are no naked flames nearby
Proper Handling and Use of Ethanol in Laboratories & Industry
It’s important to treat pure ethanol as a hazardous substance when you’re handling or using it in the laboratory or work setting.
That means always wearing the proper protective clothing (PPE), such as goggles, latex gloves, and laboratory coats.
Also ensure you have proper ventilation in your work area and avoid any sources of heat, sparks, or fire.
Emergency Measures if Exposed to Ethanol
If you are exposed to ethanol in one of the ways we’ve looked at – ingestion, inhalation or skin contact – you need to take immediate steps to limit any ill-effects.
Ingestion – lie down and contact the emergency services straight away. Do not try and vomit as it can damage mucous membranes and organs. Do not drink anything.
Inhalation – get into fresh air as soon as possible and contact the emergency services for help. Inhalation of ethanol vapours can make you feel drowsy so do get out of the vapours quickly.
Skin contact – wash your skin gently with soap and warm water. Seek medical assistance if the irritation persists.
Eye contact – flush your eyes for at least 15 minutes and contact the emergency services.
Safe Storage of Ethanol in Industrial Settings
Ethanol is a corrosive chemical and on an industrial level should be kept in stainless steel containers. You should also ensure that any pipes, as well as the container, are not susceptible to corrosion by ethanol. Tanks should have secondary containment, be fire rated and resistant to impact. It is preferable to store ethanol in tanks above ground rather than below ground.
Although ethanol is a common chemical, it is hazardous. Take care when you’re handling it.
At ReAgent, we sell ethanol in sizes ranging from 500ml to 2.5 litres. If you have a requirement for ethanol, contact our team today.
