What is ethylene oxide

Ethylene glycol, which is derived from ethylene oxide, is used to manufacture fiberglass used in products ranging from jet skis to bathtubs to bowling balls, as well as polyethylene terephthalate PET plastic resin to make beverage containers and packaging film.

Ethylene oxide derivatives are used as ingredients in industrial cleaners, heat transfer liquids, polyurethanes and plasticizers. Ethylene oxide sterilization processes can sanitize medical and pharmaceutical products that cannot support conventional, high-temperature steam sterilization procedures. Delicate, heat-sensitive medical devices that incorporate plastics and electronics could be warped or otherwise damaged by steam sterilization. A low-temperature sterilizer, ethylene oxide gas will not damage these types of medical devices.

Ethylene oxide also is used to sterilize other healthcare products, such as bandages and ointments, reducing potential damage to the product that may occur from other means of sterilization. Approximately 50 percent of medical supplies are sterilized with ethylene oxide, making it critical to the U. Any potential association between ethylene oxide and cancer is linked only to chronic exposure. There is minimal hazard risk for the general population because most people are not exposed to significant quantities of ethylene oxide.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 6 and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 7 also provide guidance for industrial exposure to ethylene oxide. Additionally, companies that make and work with ethylene oxide invest in research and product stewardship technologies so that they can continue to help protect communities, with advanced technologies to track and manage emissions.

Manufacturers also share best practices for responsibly producing, shipping, and handling ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is most commonly used in the production of other chemicals including the production of solvents, antifreeze, detergents, adhesives, polyurethane foam and pharmaceuticals. What is ethylene oxide? How might I be exposed to ethylene oxide? Exposure to ethylene oxide can occur through inhalation or skin-contact.

What limits of human exposure to ethylene oxide have been set? What is known about typical background air levels? How can ethylene oxide affect my health?

How likely is ethylene oxide to cause cancer? The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. Ethylene oxide is used in many industries. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to ethylene oxide include the following:.

If you work in an industry that uses ethylene oxide, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to ethylene oxide. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

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