Ethylene oxide
Synonyms & Trade Names
Dimethylene oxide, 1,2-Epoxy ethane, OxiraneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca TWA <0.1 ppm (0.18 mg/m3) C 5 ppm (9 mg/m3) [10-min/day] See Appendix AOSHA PEL
[1910.1047] TWA 1 ppm 5 ppm [15-minute Excursion]Physical Description
Colorless gas or liquid (below 51°F) with an ether-like odor.Molecular Weight
44.1Boiling Point
51°FFreezing Point
-171°FSolubility
MiscibleVapor Pressure
1.46 atmIonization Potential
10.56 eVSpecific Gravity
0.82 (Liquid at 50°F)Flash Point
NA (Gas) -20°F (Liquid)Upper Exposive Limit
100%Lower Explosive Limit
3.0%Relative Gas Density
1.49Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong acids, alkalis & oxidizers; chlorides of iron, aluminum & tin; oxides of iron & aluminum; waterExposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, (liquid), skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; peculiar taste; headache; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), cyanosis, pulmonary edema; drowsiness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), incoordination; EKG abnormal; eye, skin burns (liquid or high vapor concentration); liquid: frostbite; reproductive effects; ; In Animals: convulsions; liver, kidney damage [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, central nervous system, blood, kidneys, reproductive systemCancer Site
[peritoneal cancer, leukemia]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (liquid)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact (liquid)
Wash skin:When contaminated (liquid)
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Quick drench (liquid)
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately (liquid)
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 5 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern†
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern†
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division