ETHYLENE OXIDE AND TETRAFLUOROETHANE MIXTURE, WITH NOT MORE THAN 5.6% ETHYLENE OXIDE

A nonflammable gas. Vapors heavier than air. Ethylene oxide boils at 11°C and is a confirmed carcinogen. Mixture may asphyxiate by the displacement of air especially in confined places. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the container may violently rupture and rocket.

• Polymerizable

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Excerpt from 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. CAUTION: Aerosols (UN1950) may contain a flammable propellant. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. (ERG, 2020)

ETHYLENE OXIDE by itself is highly flammable and presents a severe explosion hazard when exposed to flame. The autoignition temperature may be as low as 140°C in presence of rust. Rapid compression of the vapor with air causes explosion. Ethylene oxide vapor may be initiated into explosive decomposition in absence of air [Hess, L. G., et al., Ind. Eng. Chem., 1950, 42, p. 1251]. Metal fittings containing magnesium, copper or silver should be avoided, since traces of acetylene in ethylene oxide may produce metal acetylides capable of detonating the vapor [MCA SD-38, 1971]. Violent polymerization occurs on contact with strong bases (alkali hydroxides, ammonia) or acids, amines, metallic potassium, oxides (aluminum oxide, iron oxide, rust), covalent halides (aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, tin(IV) chloride) [Gupta, A. K., J. Soc. Chem. Ind., 1949, 68, p. 179]. Violent reaction with m-nitroaniline, magnesium perchlorate, mercaptans, thiols, triethylamine [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 316]. Tetrafluoroethane-Materials in this group, halogenated organics, are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides. Halogenated aliphatic compounds are moderately or very reactive. Reactivity generally decreases with increased degree of substitution of halogen for hydrogen atoms in the molecule.

• Epoxides
• Fluorinated Organic Compounds
• Polymerizable Compounds

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile).

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. Some of these materials, if spilled, may evaporate leaving a flammable residue. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Epoxy ethane (-70°C, liquid)	75-21-8	Liquid								>180
Epoxy ethane (0°C, liquid)	75-21-8	Liquid							>480	>480	>480
Epoxy ethane (10% in HCFC)	75-21-8	Vapor								>480
Epoxy ethane (11°C, liquid)	75-21-8	Liquid				18
Epoxy ethane (gaseous)	75-21-8	Vapor		imm	imm	>480	126	>480	>480	>480	>480
Ethylene oxide (-70°C, liquid)	75-21-8	Liquid								>180
Ethylene oxide (0°C, liquid)	75-21-8	Liquid							>480	>480	>480
Ethylene oxide (10% in HCFC)	75-21-8	Vapor								>480
Ethylene oxide (11°C, liquid)	75-21-8	Liquid				18
Ethylene oxide (gaseous)	75-21-8	Vapor		imm	imm	>480	126	>480	>480	>480	>480

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Excerpt from 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)

• ETHYLENE OXIDE AND TETRAFLUOROETHANE MIXTURE, WITH NOT MORE THAN 5.6% ETHYLENE OXIDE
• TETRAFLUOROETHANE AND ETHYLENE OXIDE MIXTURE, WITH NOT MORE THAN 5.6% ETHYLENE OXIDE