Hi Ian,
I've used it at lab-scale quantities and not in a clean room, but it was one I used often for a time (a long time ago).
It doesn't have the highest vapor pressure, but assuming that it's "neat", it's volatile enough to cause exposure (plus it's a class I-B flammable liquid, so that's fun). For specific information about properties and metabolism (and everything
else), it's never a bad idea to check out the info on pubchem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ethyl-acetate).
I'd need to know more about the specifics, but beyond the use of full face respirator + organic cartridges; implementing ventilation controls would likely be prudent to ensure that ambient levels don't get anywhere near 10% of the LEL under
foreseeable conditions of use, and to decrease the extent of exposure to employees (ideally there wouldn't be a need for the APRs, but that's not always feasible IRL). It would likely be prudent to do the IH math to see what the levels are likely to be, to
see if it's going to be a problem, and to see how much of a problem it will be.
Personal experience-wise, it's worse than some, not as bad as others; at the time, it was the least unpleasant of the solvents I was using (but that isn't saying much). Based on your description, you probably have more experience than me,
so take my comment with a healthy grain of salt.
I hope this is useful, I'm very interested to hear experiences of others.
Cheers,
-Bill
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From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
On Behalf Of Ian Zastrow
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2022 3:49 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: [External] [DCHAS-L] Ethyl Acetate experience Q
Good afternoon, I have a question for the group:??
Does anyone have experience using Ethyl Acetate in large quantities? I have run extraction using Ethyl acetate as a primary solvent and some actetylation.??
4x 200L reactors.?? Ventilation in iso8.??
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Good afternoon, I have a question for the group:
Does anyone have experience using Ethyl Acetate in large quantities?
I have run extraction using Ethyl acetate as a primary solvent and some actetylation. 4x 200L reactors. Ventilation in iso8.
Have not had any problems.
What are risks to lab employees with regards to possible inhalation exposure?
I have been asked to contribute as a consultant to a phytochemical extraction facility and there ventilation is c1d2...yet I would guess that is questionable.
Does Ethyl acetate present a major health risk to employees (55 gallon size batches) with likely vapor inhalation exposure?
EPA and SDS data sheets are a bit lacking and contradicting for me to hold a strong stance on this other than full iso8 and limit all exposure with best practices.
I would like to get some personal experience and anecdotal opinions.
Assuming full face respirators are used with organic vapor cartridges, would this not be safe?
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