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Chemical Name: Ethylene Oxide
Common Synonyms: Oxirane, EO
CAS Number: 75-21-8
Appearance: Colorless gas at room temperature, clear liquid under pressure
Odor: Sweet, ether-like smell noticeable even at low concentrations
Hazard Classes: Flammable gas, carcinogenic substance, acute toxicant
Health Risks: Severe skin and eye irritant, causes respiratory distress, increases cancer risk with repeated exposure
Acute Hazards: Central nervous system depression, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness
Chronic Hazards: Reproductive harm, genetic mutations, persistent cough, risk for leukemia or lymphoma after long-term exposure
Environmental Hazards: Harms aquatic life if released
Main Ingredient: Ethylene oxide, purity greater than 99 percent in industrial settings
Impurities: Minor trace amounts of water, acetaldehyde, ethylene glycol in some cases
Mixtures: Commercial sterilization or fumigation processes may involve mixtures with inert gases
Inhalation: Remove from exposure, provide fresh air, seek immediate medical attention, use oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice for blisters or irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with water, continue flushing for several minutes, get emergency medical care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, get emergency help right away
Flammability: Ignites easily, forms explosive mixtures with air at low concentrations
Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam; water spray for cooling only
Fire Hazards: Vapors travel, flash back to source possible, emits toxic gases under fire
Response: Self-contained breathing apparatus necessary for firefighters, evacuate area
Evacuation: Clear non-essential personnel, control entry to area
Containment: Stop leak if safe, ventilate area, use water spray to reduce vapors, control ignition sources
Cleanup: Trained crews only, chemical-resistant clothing, avoid breathing vapors
Disposal: Absorb small spills with inert material, collect as hazardous waste, dispose under regulations
Handling: Keep containers tightly closed, ground equipment to prevent static discharge, avoid vapor exposure, work in well-ventilated spaces
Storage: Store in temperature-controlled, flame-proof areas, away from heat, sparks, oxidizers; use corrosion-resistant containers
Transport: Move only in specialty containers, label with hazard warnings, handle by trained staff
Occupational Limits: Regulatory limits set by OSHA and similar agencies for 8-hour averages and short-term exposure
Engineering Controls: Use closed systems, explosion-proof ventilation, fume hoods
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, face shield, flame-resistant gloves, full body suit if large volumes, respirators with organic vapor cartridges in confined spaces
Hygiene: No eating, drinking, or smoking in areas, change contaminated clothing before breaks, thorough washing after use
State: Gas at room temperature, can be compressed or cooled into liquid form
Boiling Point: Approximately 10.4°C (50.7°F)
Melting Point: -111.3°C (-168.3°F)
Solubility: Miscible with water, dissolves in most solvents
Vapor Pressure: One of the highest among volatile organic compounds, promotes rapid spread
Odor Threshold: Detectable at levels much lower than hazardous concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable at low temperatures, easily decomposes at higher temperatures or under sunlight
Conditions to Avoid: Sparks, open flames, electrical discharge, mixing with acids or halogens
Hazardous Reactions: Polymerizes violently if contaminated, reacts dangerously with acids, alkalis, or oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and flammable byproducts
Acute Effects: Short exposure can cause severe eye and skin burns, upper airway swelling, confusion, and lung injury
Long-Term Risks: Linked to cancers of the lymph system, breast, and blood; known to cause genetic damage with repeat exposures
Reproductive Impact: Evidence ties exposure to fetal harm and miscarriage; authorities recognize as hazardous for reproductive health
Sensitization: May trigger allergic skin reactions on repeated contact
Environmental Fate: Breaks down in air quickly but harmful if released in water or soil
Aquatic Toxicity: Kills aquatic life at high concentrations; potential for bioaccumulation is low but immediate effects are sharp
Persistence: Degrades rapidly in sunlight and air, does not persist in the environment, but local impacts can be severe
Waste Treatment: Dilute under approved systems, incinerate at high temperatures in licensed facilities
Container Disposal: Rinse and remove all vapors before discarding or recycling cylinders
Legal Framework: Follow hazardous waste laws under RCRA and similar national legislation
Shipping Name: Ethylene Oxide, regulated as a dangerous good
Classification: Flammable gas, toxic by inhalation, UN number assigned by international transport agencies
Packaging: Steel cylinders or approved pressure-rated tanks, clear hazard labeling required, transportation only by authorized carriers
Workplace Safety: Strict exposure limits apply under OSHA and equivalent agencies, medical surveillance for exposed workers
Environmental Release: Centers for environmental protection regulate permitted air emissions, strict penalties for violations
Consumer Protection: Banned in some countries for consumer use; requires strong justification for workplace applications
Reporting: Use and release must be reported under programs tracking toxic chemical risks to communities
