Ethylene Oxide
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NIOSH Resources
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Exposure limits, Respirator Recommendations, First Aid, more...
The Pocket Guide is a source of general industrial hygiene information on several hundred chemicals/classes found in the work environment. Key data provided for each chemical/substance includes name (including synonyms/trade names), structure/formula, CAS/RTECS Numbers, DOT ID, conversion factors, exposure limits, IDLH, chemical and physical properties, measurement methods, personal protection, respirator recommendations, symptoms, and first aid.
- Ethylene oxide (CAS No. 75-21-8)
International Chemical Safety Cards
An ICSC summarizes essential health and safety information on chemicals for their use at the "shop floor" level by workers and employers in factories, agriculture, construction and other work places.
Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH)
The IDLH documents the criteria and information sources that have been used by NIOSH to determine immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations.
NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM)
NMAM is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.
- Ethylene oxide (No. 1614) [PDF - 36 KB]
- Ethylene oxide by portable GC (No. 3702) [PDF - 27 KB]
NIOSH Worker Notification Program
NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Explosions in Industrial Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facilities (Revised Edition)
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-164 (2007)
This Alert informs owners, managers, supervisors, engineers, safety professionals, and workers about the explosions, injuries, and deaths that may occur at industrial EtO sterilization facilities and repackaging plants. Steps are recommended for preventing these explosions.
NIOSH Alert: Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths From Explosions in Industrial Ethylene oxide Sterilization Facilities
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2000-119 (2000)
This Alert informs owners, managers, supervisors, engineers, safety professionals, and workers about the explosions, injuries, and deaths that may occur at industrial EtO sterilization facilities and repackaging plants. Steps are recommended for preventing these explosions.
Control Technology for Ethylene oxide Sterilization in Hospitals
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 89-120 (1989)
This report examines control methods and systems for Ethylene oxide sterilization in hospitals.
Current Intelligence Bulletin No. 52: Ethylene oxide Sterilizers Health Care Facilities-Engineering Controls and Work Practices
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 89-115 (1989)
This publication discusses potential sources of EtO exposure and recommends protective measures that NIOSH researchers have observed to be effective in hospitals.
Current Intelligence Bulletin No. 35: Ethylene Oxide (EtO)
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 81-130 (1981)
This report examines control methods and systems for Ethylene oxide sterilization in hospitals.
NIOSH Criteria Documents: Special Occupational Hazard Review with Control Recommendations: Use of Ethylene Oxide as a Sterilant in Medical Facilities
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-200 (1977)
Contains a standard for mitigation of exposure to Ethylene oxide to prevent adverse effects over a working lifetime.
Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for Ethylene Oxide
Related Resources
ATSDR's Medical Management Guidelines (MMGs): Ethylene Oxide
Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry - ToxFAQs: Ethylene Oxide
Toxicological Profile for Ethylene Oxide (ATSDR)
OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Ethylene Oxide
OSHA Standard (1910.1047): Ethylene Oxide
OSHA Fact Sheet: Ethylene Oxide [PDF - 48 KB]
New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Ethylene Oxide [PDF - 35 KB]
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Ethylene Oxide
Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (EPA): Ethylene Oxide
EPA (Air Toxics): Ethylene Oxide
EPA (Pesticides: Topical and Chemical Fact Sheets)
NLM (Hazardous Substance Data Bank): Ethylene Oxide
NLM (Household Products Database): Ethylene Oxide
NTP Report on Carcinogens (Twelfth Edition 2011): Ethylene Oxide [PDF - 167.48 KB]
IARC Monographs (Vol. 60): Ethylene Oxide
European Chemical Substance Information System (ESIS): Ethylene Oxide
WHO (CICAD 54): Ethylene Oxide
- Page last reviewed: February 4, 2014
- Page last updated: February 4, 2014
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division