[5] A study of 13 classroom air contaminants conducted in Portugal reported a statistically significant association with increased rates of nasal obstruction and a positive association below the level of statistical significance with a higher risk of obese asthma and increased body mass index.

[10] It is often produced industrially by combining ethylene glycol and butyraldehyde in a Parr reactor with palladium on carbon.

[clarification needed] 2-Butoxyethanol is a solvent for paints and surface coatings, as well as cleaning products and inks.

[12][14] Products that contain 2-butoxyethanol include acrylic resin formulations, asphalt release agents, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil spill dispersants, degreaser applications, photographic strip solutions, whiteboard and glass cleaners, liquid soaps, cosmetics, dry cleaning solutions, lacquers, varnishes, herbicides, latex paints, enamels, printing paste, varnish removers, and silicone caulk.

It is also approved by the U.S. FDA to be used as direct and indirect food additives, which include antimicrobial agents, defoamers, stabilizers, and adhesives.

[12] Laboratory tests by the U.S. National Toxicology Program have shown that only sustained exposure to high concentrations (100–500 ppm) of 2-butoxyethanol can cause adrenal tumors in animals.

[19] American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) reports that 2-butoxyethanol is carcinogenic in rodents.

[15] 2-Butoxyethanol most commonly enters the human body system through dermal absorption, inhalation, or oral consumption of the chemical.

A biological exposure index of 200 mg 2-butoxyacetic acid per g creatinine has been established in an end-of-shift urine specimen for U.S.

Male rabbits showed a loss of coordination and equilibrium after exposure to 400 ppm of 2-butoxyethanol for two days.

Rats had reduced red blood cell counts and thymus weights, as well as lesions in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

[29] Environment and Health Canada recommended that 2-butoxyethanol be added to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA).

[36][37] The safety of products containing 2-butoxyethanol as normally used is defended by the industry trade groups the American Chemistry Council[37] and the Soap and Detergent Association.