A large proportion of glycol ethers goes into the paints and coatings industry, though other uses include inks, cleaning products, plasticisers, brake fluids, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and personal care products.
A glycol ether is a liquid substance which is derived from organic chemistry. Its properties, which include being soluble in water, lead it to be used as a solvent in a variety of domestic and industrial applications. This report covers two of the E series glycol ethers, which are downstream products of ethylene. They are flammable.
Tests on animals have shown effects on blood and blood producing tissues. However, handling precautions mean it is unlikely that humans will be exposed to such dangerous levels.