Glycol ethers are general solvents, also known as cellosolves.
All glycol ethers have a low vapor pressure and a high potential for
dermal absorption. They are nonflammable. They are used in surface
coatings, such as lacquers, paints, and varnishes; fingernail polishes
and removers; dyes; writing inks; cleaners; and degreasers.
Also used
in textile dyeing and printing, in the treatment of leather,
in the production of plasticizers, as a stabilizer in metal cleaners
and household cleaners, and in hydraulic fluids, insecticides,
herbicides,
rust removers, dry cleaning compounds, textiles, and cosmetics.