Genotoxicity of glycol ethers.

The genetic toxicology of glycol ethers is reviewed. Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) and diglyme have been more extensively studied than other members of this series. Most results indicate a lack of genotoxic potential, but certain tests have yielded positive responses with certain compounds. Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGEE) induced sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in cultured cells. Both EGME and diglyme induced mouse sperm head morphological changes, male rat weak dominant lethal mutations and marked, but reversible, loss of male rat fertility.