ethylene glycol is a High Production Volume Chemical; it breaks down in air in about ten days, and in water or soil in a few weeks. It enters the environment through the dispersal of ethylene glycol-containing products, especially at airports where it is used in deicing agents for runways and airplanes. Ethylene glycol is a teratogen. "Based on a rather extensive database, it induces in rats and mice by all routes of exposure.This molecule has been observed in outer space.