ABSTRACT
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate is directly released to the atmosphere by evaporation in its use as a solvent in paints, lacquers, thinners, inks, and resins. If released to the atmosphere, it will degrade primarily by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals. The emission rate of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate into the atmosphere from painting operations at an automotive assembly plant in Janesville, WI was estimated to be 37.9 gallons/hr. The dominant degradation process for ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate in soil is expected to be biodegradation. The dominant removal process for ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate in water is expected to be biodegradation. One biodegradation screening study has demonstrated that ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate is readily biodegradable. Based upon its vapor pressure, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate is expected to exist almost entirely in the vaporphase in the ambient atmosphere.
