ETHYLENE OXIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
4 3 3	Health	3	Can cause serious or permanent injury.
	Flammability	4	Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature.
	Instability	3	Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation.
	Special

A clear colorless gas with an ethereal odor with a flash point below 0°F. Liquid less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.

May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently.

Vapors very toxic. Vapors irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Prolonged skin contact may result in delayed burns.

Used to make other chemicals, as a fumigant and industrial sterilant.

• Highly Flammable
• Explosive
• Polymerizable

Highly flammable. Flammable over a wide vapor-air concentration range. Must be diluted on the order of 24 to 1 with water to lose flammability. Soluble in water.

Severe explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Irritating vapors are generated when heated. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapor forms explosive mixtures with air over a wide range. Liquid is not detonable but the vapor may be readily initiated into explosive decomposition. Avoid metal fittings containing copper, silver, mercury or magnesium; ammonia, oxidizing agents; acids, organic bases; amines; certain salts; alcohols; mercaptans, ferric chloride; magnesium perchlorate; m-nitroaniline; trimethylamine, potassium, tin chlorides; alkanethiols; bromoethane; aluminum chloride; aluminum oxide; iron chlorides; and iron oxides. Avoid air, heat, acids and bases, metal or metal chloride catalysts. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid acids; covalent halides such as chlorides of aluminum, iron (III), tin (IV); basic materials like alkali hydrides, ammonia, amines, and potassium; catalytically active solids such as aluminum or iron oxides or rust, chlorides of boron, aluminum, tin, and iron; some carbonates; and metals such as copper and copper alloys (EPA, 1998)

It can cause death. Lowest inhalation concentration causing toxic effects is 12500 ppm/10 seconds. It is a strong skin irritant. Neurological disorders and even death have been reported. (EPA, 1998)

Colorless gas at room temperature (b.p. 11°C), confirmed carcinogen. Highly flammable, 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]. Ethylene oxide and SO2 can react violently in pyridine solution with pressurization if ethylene oxide is in excess (Nolan, 1983, Case History 51).

• Epoxides
• 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 119 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable; polymerization hazard]:

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

SPILL: See ERG Tables 1 and 3 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1040 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Stay away from ends of tanks. Fight fire from maximum distance. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Isolate for 1 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Evacuate area endangered by gas.

Extinguish with alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or water spray, fog, or foam. Let burn unless leak can be stopped immediately. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 119 [Gases - Toxic - Flammable; polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. 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. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium-expansion foam to reduce vapors. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Ethylene oxide:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, the worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide: QUICK DRENCH (LIQUID) - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided (when this chemical is in liquid form) within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)

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

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

Warning: Ethylene oxide is corrosive to moist tissues. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Ethylene Oxide Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to ethylene oxide may be severe, and include dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. Lethargy, headache, dizziness, twitching, convulsions, paralysis, and coma may be observed. Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiovascular collapse may also occur. Gastrointestinal effects of acute exposure may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Ethylene oxide may severely irritate or burn mucous membranes and moist skin. Eye contact may result in conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes) and erosion of the cornea.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to ethylene oxide may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to ethylene oxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to ethylene oxide.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be IMMEDIATELY flushed with lukewarm water for AT LEAST 15 minutes.
5. If liquid is spilled on the skin, allow ethylene oxide to vaporize before washing THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Give the victims water or milk: children up 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Ethylene oxide generally acts as its own cathartic; however, if deemed necessary, excretion may be promoted by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• 12/88
• ALPHA, BETA-OXIDOETHANE
• AMPROLENE
• ANPROLENE
• ANPROLINE
• CIBA-GEIGY 9138
• DIHYDROOXIRENE
• DIMETHYLENE OXIDE
• E O
• E.O.
• ENT-26263
• 1,2-EPOXY ETHANE
• EPOXYETHANE
• 1,2-EPOXYETHANE
• ETHENE OXIDE
• ETHOX
• ETHYLENE OXIDE
• ETHYLENEOXY
• ETO
• FEMA NO. 2433
• MERPOL
• NCI-C50088
• OXACYCLOPROPANE
• OXANE
• OXIDOETHANE
• OXIRAN
• OXIRANE
• OXIRENE, DIHYDRO-
• OXYFUME
• OXYFUME 12
• STERILIZING GAS ETHYLENE OXIDE 100%
• T-GAS