Is antifreeze considered a hazardous material?

Antifreeze is not considered a “solid waste” according to the EPA (United State’s Environmental Protection Agency) and therefore is not regulated or considered a “hazardous waste.” However, some states have specific regulations set for the disposal of antifreeze based solely on its toxicity.

What is the main hazardous ingredients of antifreeze?

The poisonous ingredients in antifreeze are:

• Ethylene glycol.
• Methanol.
• Propylene glycol.

Is antifreeze a toxic hazard?

It isn’t considered harmful in small amounts, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). On the other hand, ethylene glycol and methanol are hazardous and poisonous if ingested. It only takes a small amount of antifreeze to poison the human body and cause life-threatening complications.

What are the hazards of antifreeze?

Can cause nausea, headaches and vomiting. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant). The substance may be toxic to kidneys and liver. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.

Is antifreeze regulated?

In California, it is illegal to dispose of antifreeze in the trash, ground, or storm drains. The Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC) regulates antifreeze, because it is hazardous to public health and the environment. Antifreeze is a mixture of water (3%), additives (2%), and ethylene or propylene glycol (95%).

Is antifreeze classed as flammable?

Antifreeze is flammable, meaning it can catch fire and burn. This is one of the top safety factors you should know when handling this liquid. It is a standard item for internal combustion engines, similar to other heat transferring utilities like solar water heaters.

What chemical is used in antifreeze?

What is antifreeze? A glycol-based fluid made primarily from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, antifreeze is one of the components of the fluid used in the cooling system of your car.

What is the difference between polyethylene glycol and ethylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol is a syrupy liquid at room temperature whereas polyethylene glycol is a solid material. The main difference between ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol is that ethylene glycol has a fixed value for molecular weight whereas polyethylene glycol has no fixed value for molecular weight.

How much antifreeze is lethal?

Ethylene glycol is a colorless, sweet and low-toxicity fluid, however its metabolites are highly toxic (1,2). The adult lethal dose is 80–100 ml if antifreeze solution is consumed orally.

What precautions should be taken when working with antifreeze?

Good personal hygiene procedures should be implemented. Wash hands and any other contaminated areas of the body with soap and water before leaving the work site. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using the product. Storage precautions Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame.

Why is antifreeze considered a hazardous waste?

Used antifreeze might be a hazardous waste if it is contaminated with certain metals, such as lead, cadmium or chromium. It can also be a hazardous waste if it has been mixed with other wastes such as gasoline or solvents.

Is antifreeze hazardous to ship?

We do carry some items that are classified as “hazardous material.” In most cases, these items are restricted to ground shipping only. This may include, but is not limited to: Antifreeze.

What are the ingredients in antifreeze?

Antifreeze is a liquid that prevents the radiator in cars from freezing or overheating. It’s also known as engine coolant. Although water-based, antifreeze also contains liquid alcohols like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and methanol. Propylene glycol is also an ingredient in some foods and cosmetics.

At what temp does antifreeze burn?

Ethylene glycol has an auto-ignition temperature of 748 deg. F., and will flash burn at lower temperatures if atomized in the vicinity of temp.’s at or greater than 250 deg. F. Turbochargers typically demonstrate temperatures well in excess of these numbers.

Is ethylene glycol the same as antifreeze?

Though coolant and antifreeze are often used interchangeably, they aren’t the same. Antifreeze is made of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and is the basic ingredient, but it has to be mixed with water to create coolant, which is the cocktail you will find in the cooling systems of all “water-cooled” vehicles.

Is polyethylene glycol same as antifreeze?

Polyethylene Glycol is made by polymerising ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze solutions, and has a strong presence in the medical industry.

What Colour is ethylene glycol antifreeze?

green
The color of healthy engine coolant is green (for ethylene glycol) or orange (for Dexcool). A rusty color indicates that the rust inhibitor in the coolant has broken down and it can no longer control rust and scale buildup.

What are the 3 stages to ethylene glycol poisoning?

The three stages include the following: Stage 1 (the neurological stage) occurs within 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion. Stage 2 (the cardiopulmonary stage) occurs between 12 and 24 hours after ingestion. Stage 3 (the renal stage) occurs between 24 and 72 hours after ingestion.

What happens if you inhale antifreeze fumes?

INHALATION EXPOSURE: Exposure to very high levels of ethylene glycol vapors causes irritation of mucous membranes and the upper respiratory tract. Exposure to levels of ethylene glycol concentrations higher than 80 ppm results in intolerable respiratory discomfort and cough.