Common Name: Ethylene Oxide CAS Number: 75-21-8 DOT Number: UN 1040 Date: November, 1986 ----------------------------------------- Hazard Summary * Ethylene Oxide can affect you when breathed in. * Ethylene Oxide is a CARCINOGEN--HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * It may damage the developing fetus. * Contact with liquid can cause severe burns and frostbite. * The vapor may cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, drowsiness, weakness, and loss of muscle control. Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * It is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID/GAS and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. Identification Ethylene Oxide is normally a colorless gas or liquid. It has an ether-like odor and is used to make antifreeze, polyesters, laundry detergents and as an industrial sterilant. Reason For Citation * Ethylene Oxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH, IARC and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN, and is REACTIVE. How To Determine If You Are Being Exposed * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 430 ppm. * This odor threshold is well above the exposure limits and should not be considered as a warning of exposure. Workplace Exposure Limits OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. (Final Rule, January 1989). NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is less than 0.1 ppm aver-aged over an 8-hour workshift and 5 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 10 minute work period in any single day. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * Ethylene Oxide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. Ways of Reducing Exposure * A regulated, marked area should be established where Ethylene Oxide is handled, used, or stored as required by the OSHA standard 1910.1047. * Wear protective work clothing when working with the liquid. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Ethylene Oxide and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Ethylene Oxide to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Ethylene Oxide: * Exposure to Ethylene Oxide may cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, drowsiness, weakness, and loss of muscle control. Higher exposures may cause passing out and even death. * Ethylene Oxide vapor can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Numbing of the sense of smell can occur, making exposure harder to detect. * Contact with the undiluted liquid can cause frostbite. * Contact with solutions of Ethylene Oxide in water can cause skin burns with blistering and redness. Skin ulcers may be delayed, often appearing 1 to 5 hours after contact. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Ethylene Oxide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Ethylene Oxide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes leukemia in humans and it has been shown to cause leukemia and abdominal cavity cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe that there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Reproductive Hazard * It may damage the developing fetus. * There is an increased incidence of gynecological disorders and spontaneous abortions among workers in Ethylene Oxide production. Its role in this increase is unclear at this time. Other Long Term Effects * Ethylene Oxide may damage the nervous system, causing numbness, "pins and needles", and/or weakness in the hands and feet. * It may damage the liver and kidneys. * It may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x-ray after acute overexposure. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. * Liver and kidney function tests. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Ethylene Oxide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required by OSHA and recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide #77-200 and the OSHA standard 1910.1047. * Before entering a confined space where Ethylene Oxide may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by the liquid should remove clothing promptly and allow Ethylene Oxide to evaporate. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with liquid, immediately wash with warm water. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have had contact with Ethylene Oxide in solution, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Ethylene Oxide is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Ethylene Oxide. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends Chlorinated Polyethylene as a protective material. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self- contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 8,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 8,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Ethylene Oxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Ethylene Oxide is handled, used, or stored. * It must be stored to avoid contact with even small amounts of ACIDS (such as NITRIC or SULFURIC ACIDS); ALKALIS (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE or POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE); CATALYTIC ANHYDROUS CHLORIDES of IRON, ALUMINUM or TIN; IRON or ALUMINUM OXIDE; or METALLIC POTASSIUM, since it may react by itself, liberating much heat and causing a possible explosion. * Ethylene Oxide should not contact OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, and NITRATES) since an explosion could occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well-ventilated area away from HEAT, SPARKS, or SUNLIGHT. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Ethylene Oxide is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Ethylene Oxide should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Ethylene Oxide. * Wherever Ethylene Oxide is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Ethylene Oxide DOT Number: UN 1040 DOT Emergency Guide code: 69 CAS Number: 75-21-8 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 4 REACTIVITY - 3 ---------------------------------------- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND REACTIVE GAS/LIQUID POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Ethylene Oxide is an extremely FLAMMABLE GAS or LIQUID. The gas easily forms explosive mixtures with air. * Fight a fire from an explosion-resistant location. Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * The vapor or gas is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Ethylene Oxide is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * If in the gaseous form, stop the flow of gas. If the source of the leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air and repair the leak or allow the cylinder to empty. * Keep Ethylene Oxide out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Ethylene Oxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention. * If contact with liquified Ethylene Oxide occurs, immerse affected part in warm water. Seek medical attention. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 1,095 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: Less than 0oF (-9.4oC) Water Solubility: Miscible OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Oxirane Other Names and Formulations: 1,2-Epoxyethane; Dimethylene Oxide; ETO. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Ethylene oxide [oxirane] is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature. It is a highly reactive chemical used almost totally in making various derivatives. These derivatives lead to the production of antifreeze and polyesters, solvents for lacquers and varnishes, jet fuel anti-icing agents, and soaps and detergents. It is also used as a fumigant for foodstuffs and textiles, as an agricultural fungicide and in the sterilization of surgical instruments. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges and spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Ethylene oxide has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Various rose varieties have shown delayed maturation, wilting, and size decrease from exposure to ethylene oxide. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of ethylene oxide on birds or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Ethylene oxide has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of ethylene oxide to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Ethylene oxide is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Ethylene oxide is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of ethylene oxide found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of ethylene oxide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.