MEA

MEA can affect you if it is breathed in and by passing through your skin. It is a corrosive chemical and contact with it can extremely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage. It can irritate the nose and throat which can cause coughing and wheezing. It could cause a skin allergy, itching and a skin rash it may also cause damage to the liver and kidneys and it could affect the nervous system. This chemical is used in these types of product; facial moisturizer/treatment and shampoo. It is harmful if inhaled or if it comes in contact with the skin or if swallowed. MEA is corrosive and cause burns. On labels it can be listed as both MEA and Monoethanolamine. MEA is used as a scavenger for CO2 and H2S in natural gas, it is used in the synthesis of surface active agents, hair waving agents, hide softeners, agricultural chemicals, and antibiotics. It can be used in soaps, cosmetics, polishes, paints, cutting oils, and textile processing. Symptoms of MEA, if it is inhaled is coughing, headache, shortness of breath, and sore throat. If is gets on the skin it can cause redness, pain, and skin burns. If it comes in contact with the eyes it can cause redness, pain, and severe deep burns. If it is ingested it can cause abdominal pain, burning sensation, shock or collapse.

Molecular Weight 61.08 pH 11.8
 * Chemical Properties**

DOT/TDG Classification Ethanolamine Hazard Class 8, UN 2491 Packing Group III Corrosive HMIS Code 3-1-0 CAS Number 141-43-5 TSCA Inventory Yes WHMIS Classification E, D2B Canadian DSL Yes
 * Regulatory Information**

Boiling Point, 760 mm Hg, °F/°C 339/171 Flash Point, PMCC, °F/°C 204/96 Melting Point, °F/°C 51/11 Specific Gravity, 20/20°C 1.0179 Vapor Pressure, mm Hg, 20°C (68°F) <1 Weight, lb/gal, 20°C (68°F) 8.47
 * Typical Values**

Production
Monoethanolamine is produced by reacting [|ethylene oxide] with aqueous [|ammonia] ; the reaction also produces [|diethanolamine] and [|triethanolamine]. The ratio of the products can be controlled by changing the [|stoichiometry] of the reactants. [|[5]] Note that this reaction is exothermic and that controls are needed to prevent a runaway reaction.

Applications
MEA is used in [|aqueous] solutions for [|scrubbing] certain [|acidic] [|gases]. It is used as [|feedstock] in the production of [|detergents], [|emulsifiers] , polishes, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors, chemical intermediates. [|[5]][|[6]] For example, reacting ethanolamine with ammonia gives the commonly used [|chelating agent], [|ethylenediamine] : [|[5]]
 * ~ Properties ||
 * [|Molecular formula] || C2H7NO ||
 * [|Molar mass] || 61.08 g mol−1 ||
 * Appearance || Viscous colourless liquid with [|ammonia] odour ||
 * [|Density] || 1.012 g/cm3 ||
 * [|Melting point] || 10.3 °C, 283 K, 51 °F ||
 * [|Boiling point] || 170 °C, 443 K, 338 °F ||
 * [|Solubility] in [|water] || Miscible ||
 * [|Vapor pressure] || 64 Pa (20 °C) [|[1]] ||
 * [|Acidity] (p//K//a) || 9.50 [|[2]] ||
 * [|Refractive index] (//n//D) || 1.4539 (20 °C) [|[3]] ||