Brake Fluid (diethylene Glycol) - Poison Control

What is brake fluid?

The braking systems in most cars and many other machines rely on brake fluid. These hydraulic systems consist of a series of interconnected tubes, reservoirs, and pistons. Pushing down on the brake pedal increases the pressure on the brake fluid, which then causes the brake shoes to move and grab the brake disc, which slows or stops the car. Brake fluid products most often contain the toxic alcohol diethylene glycol (DEG), which is sweet-tasting, odorless, and colorless.

Is brake fluid poisonous?

If swallowed, DEG can be very dangerous, and even fatal, if patients do not receive prompt medical care. Small children (and pets) will drink sweet-tasting brake fluid containing DEG. If the ingestion is recognized right away and the child receives emergency medical care, the likelihood of serious poisoning is greatly reduced.

What are the symptoms of brake fluid poisoning?

DEG poisoning has 3 characteristic phases. The first phase consists of drunkenness, vomiting, and changes in the body’s acid balance (acidosis). In the second stage, the acidosis worsens and liver and kidney injury develop, which can lead to death if not treated. The final stage consists of delayed and sometimes fatal neurological effects, including changes in the brain and spinal cord, optic nerve damage, and complete or partial muscle paralysis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in preventing such complications. DEG toxicity can be minimized by fomepizole—a drug stocked in hospitals.

Is diethylene glycol in products other than brake fluid safe?

DEG has been connected to at least 12 mass poisonings, not because of its use in brake fluid but because it was used in products intended for human consumption. The first documented mass poisoning was in 1937, when a drug manufacturer introduced an elixir of sulfanilamide (an antibiotic) made with DEG. At least 105 people died. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 was passed following this tragedy to provide more consumer protection.

In 2008–2009, 57 children under 3 years of age were poisoned with DEG in Nigeria; 54 of them died from kidney failure. Almost all of the children had been given an acetaminophen-containing teething medication. DEG contamination was found in bottles of the medication from children’s homes and in 4 batches of the product from the manufacturer.

In Panama in 2006, at least 78 people died from unexplained kidney failure and nervous system illnesses. It was determined later that a cough syrup was contaminated with DEG. The syrup was manufactured using "glycerin" imported from China. That "glycerin" contained 22% DEG.

What to do if brake fluid gets in your eyes.

When brake fluid gets into the eyes, minor irritation and redness can occur. A serious eye injury is not likely, but the eyes should be rinsed immediately. Remove contact lenses and use lots of room-temperature water to flush the eyes. For children, pour water onto the forehead and let it gently run into the eyes. Encourage blinking. After rinsing, check the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for expert guidance, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

What to do if you think someone drank brake fluid.

If someone swallows brake fluid, or if you have a question about using brake fluid safely, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Mary Elizabeth May, RN, BA, MPH Certified Specialist in Poison Information

Revised William G. Troutman, PharmD Professor of Pharmacy Emeritus

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