Ethyl Acetate

Formula: C₄H₈O₂ | CAS: 141-78-9

Detecting ethyl acetate: Ethyl acetate is highly flammable, as well as toxic when ingestion or inhaled, and this chemical can be seriously damaging to internal organs in the case of repeated or prolonged exposure.

Detecting ethyl acetate in household consumer products

Ethyl acetate is manufactured on a large scale, as over 1 million tons are produced annually in the world. This chemical is used commonly due to its low cost and agreeable aroma. While you may not have heard of ethyl acetate, you’re likely familiar with some of the products it’s used in:

• Nail polish remover
• Cigarettes
• Glue
• Paint (as an activator or hardener)
• Confections (as an artificial flavour)
• Perfume

In addition to the common uses listed above, ethyl acetate is also used in the process of decaffeinating coffee and tea, and it occurs as a byproduct of acetic acid and ethyl alcohol in wine fermentation.

Workers in the industries that use or produce ethyl acetate are at risk of exposure. Consumers can be exposed to ethyl acetate by exposure to air from production and processing facilities using ethyl acetate. Consumers may also be exposed to ethyl acetate when using consumer products containing ethyl acetate (thinners for paint lacquers and enamels, nail preparations, etc) especially if there is not good ventilation, and by drinking wine.
– Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

The main sources of ethyl acetate

Industry sources
The primary sources of ethyl acetate are the industries that manufacture it or use it in production. Some of the industries that manufacture it or use it in production are the chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, manufacturers of paints, varnishes and lacquers. These emissions mainly are to the air.

Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
Other possible emitters of ethyl acetate are vapours and spilling of commercial and household, varnish and lacquer and their removal, preparation of films and film plates, manufacture of artificial leather and silk, and consumer products containing ethyl acetate. These emissions are to the air unless there is a spill.

Natural sources
Natural sources of ethyl acetate are wines and naturally fermented products.

Consumer products
Some of the consumer products containing ethyl acetate are automotive and machinery paints, inks, lubricating oils, moisturising creams, nail polish, enamels and removers, paint thinners, premoistened towelettes, resin and rubber adhesives, and artificial flavourings. It is also found in wines.