Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene Oxide MSDS

What is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene Oxide is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide. At room temperature and standard pressure, it is a colorless and very flammable gas. It is a bactericidal, fungicidal, and sporicidal disinfectant, and is effective against most micro-organisms including viruses. For this reason, it is used in the sterilization of pharmaceutical and surgical materials. It is also used as a fumigant. Ethylene oxide is also used to make many consumer products as well as non-consumer chemicals. Some of these products include detergents, thickeners, solvents, plastics, and various organic chemicals. The vapors emitted by ethylene oxide are very toxic, but leave no residue on items it contacts. The odor is sweet (and often confused with diethyl ether), but by the time it can be smelled, the concentration levels are high enough to be toxic. Ethylene oxide is very flammable. It may react explosively even in the absence of air. If heated under pressure, it may explode.

Ethylene Oxide Exposure and Health Risks

Ethylene oxide is a toxic gas that has short-term and long-term effects. Ethylene oxide is a strong irritant, greatly affecting the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It induces vomiting and nausea and can cause headaches. It can also cause depression of the central nervous system and kidney and reproductive damage. Ethylene oxide is carcinogenic, and chronic exposure has been linked to increased risk of leukemia, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Ethylene oxide is a mutagen and may cause genetic defects by attacking germ cells.

Regulations

The table below summarizes the most-recent exposure limits.

Sources: NIOSH, OSHA, EPA

Measuring Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide concentration in the air can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). We carry portable and fixed ethylene oxide monitors and kits, and all of our ethylene oxide products can be viewed HERE.

D16	The D16 is a versatile tool designed for gas leak detection, personal safety, spot checking, confined entry, and data logging, and more. It can be used as a portable monitor or as stationary one that can be set to log data over long periods of time. This customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and is sold with very accessory you may need for fast and accurate portable gas detection.	0-20ppm
D12	The D12 is designed for operation in hazardous areas. It's explosion-proof cast aluminum housing is rated for Class 1, Division 1, Group B, C, D locations and is UL, FM, and CSA certified. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensors to be used on a wide range of toxic and combustible gases.	0-20ppm
F12	The Series F12 Gas Transmitter is an Intrinsically Safe monitor designed for the detection of toxic gases in hazardous area. It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-20ppm
F12D	The Series F12D Gas Transmitter is designed for detection of toxic gases in hazardous areas.It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-20ppm
B12	The B12 transmitter is a two-wire, 4-29 mA transmitter that is loop-powered to signal linearly proportional to gas concentration. Their electrochemical sensors are designed for use in ambient air or in ventilation ducts. This highly customizable application can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories.	0-20ppm
BW Solo	The Honeywell BW Solo is a portable gas detector with a small, durable design and fast response time. These monitors can be paired with a smartphone using BLE allowing for remote access to multiple devices. This detector can be fitted with a variety of sensors, all of which come with a five year life expectancy.	0-100ppm

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