Material Safety Data Sheet
Ethylene Oxide
Section 1. Chemical product and company identification
: Ethylene Oxide
Product Name
: AIRGAS INC., on behalf of its subsidiaries
Supplier
259 North Radnor-Chester Road
Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
1-610-687-5253
: Synthetic/Analytical chemistry.
Product use
: 001081
MSDS#
Date of : 7/18/2007.
Preparation/Revision
: 1-866-734-3438
In case of emergency
Section 2. Hazards identification
: Gas. (COLORLESS GAS AT ROOM TEMP. MOBILE LIQUID BELOW BOILING POINT.
Physical state
HAS A SWEET ODOR)
: Warning!
Emergency overview
CANCER HAZARD.
CAN CAUSE CANCER.
FLAMMABLE GAS.
CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE.
HARMFUL IF INHALED OR SWALLOWED.
CAUSES SEVERE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANS: BLOOD, KIDNEYS, LUNGS,
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM, LIVER, RESPIRATORY TRACT, SKIN, EYES, CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM, EYE, LENS OR CORNEA.
VAPOR MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE.
Do not ingest. Avoid contact with skin and clothing. Avoid breathing gas. Keep away
from heat, sparks and flame. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Keep container
closed. Use only with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after handling. Risk of
cancer depends on duration and level of exposure.
Contact with rapidly expanding gases can cause frostbite.
: Inhalation,Dermal,Eyes
Routes of entry
Potential acute health effects
Severely irritating to the eyes.
Eyes :
Severely irritating to the skin.
Skin :
Toxic by inhalation.
Inhalation :
Ingestion is not a normal route of exposure for gases
:
Ingestion
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS Classified 1 (Proven for human.) by IARC, 1 (Known To Be
:
Potential chronic health :
Human Carcinogens.) by NTP, + (Proven.) by OSHA, + (Proven.) by NIOSH. Classified
effects
A2 (Suspected for human.) by ACGIH, 2 (Suspected for human.) by European Union.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS Classified 2 by European Union.
:
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS Not available.
:
: Repeated exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of health
Medical conditions
aggravated by overexposure by an accumulation in one or many human organs.
See toxicological Information (section 11)
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Ethylene Oxide
Section 3. Composition, Information on Ingredients
Name CAS number % Volume Exposure limits
Ethylene Oxide 75-21-8 100 ACGIH TLV (United States, 9/2004). Notes:
Substance identified by other sources as a
suspected or confirmed human
carcinogen. Refers to Appendix A --
Carcinogens.
TWA: 1.8 mg/m 3 8 hour(s). Form: All forms
TWA: 1 ppm 8 hour(s). Form: All forms
NIOSH REL (United States, 6/2001). Notes:
Value is for minutes per day. See Appendix
A - NIOSH Potential Occupational
Carcinogen
CEIL: 9 mg/m 3 10 minute(s). Form: All forms
CEIL: 5 ppm Form: All forms
TWA: 0.18 mg/m 3 10 hour(s). Form: All
forms
TWA: 0.1 ppm 10 hour(s). Form: All forms
OSHA PEL (United States, 6/1993).
STEL: 5 ppm 15 minute(s). Form: All forms
TWA: 1 ppm 8 hour(s). Form: All forms
Section 4. First aid measures
No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training.If fumes are still suspected to be present,
the rescuer should wear an appropriate mask or a self-contained breathing apparatus.It may be dangerous to the person
providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Eye contact
Get medical attention immediately.
: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
Skin contact
while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.
: Try to warm up the frozen tissues and seek medical attention.
Frostbite
: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
Inhalation
difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.
: Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give
Ingestion
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Section 5. Fire fighting measures
Flammable.
Flammability of the product :
428.88掳C (804掳F)
Auto-ignition temperature :
Open cup: -29.15掳C (-20.5掳F) .
Flash point :
Lower: 3% Upper: 100%
Flammable limits :
These products are carbon oxides (CO, CO 2).
Products of combustion :
In case of fire, use water spray (fog), foam, dry chemicals, or CO 2.
Fire fighting media and :
instructions
If involved in fire, shut off flow immediately if it can be done without risk. Apply water
from a safe distance to cool container and protect surrounding area.
Extremely flammable. Gas may accumulate in confined areas, travel considerable
distance to source of ignition and flash back causing fire or explosion.
: Fire fighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing
Special protective
apparatus (SCBA) with a full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode.
equipment for fire-fighters
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Ethylene Oxide
Section 6. Accidental release measures
: Immediately contact emergency personnel. Keep unnecessary personnel away. Use
Personal precautions
suitable protective equipment (Section 8). Shut off gas supply if this can be done safely.
Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
Environmental precautions : Avoid dispersal of spilled material and runoff and contact with soil, waterways, drains
and sewers.
Section 7. Handling and storage
: Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Keep container closed. Use
Handling
only with adequate ventilation. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. To avoid fire,
minimize ignition sources. Use explosion-proof electrical (ventilating, lighting and
material handling) equipment. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Wash
thoroughly after handling. High pressure gas. Use equipment rated for cylinder
pressure. Close valve after each use and when empty. Protect cylinders from physical
damage; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder
movement.
: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Cylinders
Storage
should be stored upright, with valve protection cap in place, and firmly secured to
prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinder temperatures should not exceed 52 掳C
(125 掳F).
Section 8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
: Use only with adequate ventilation. Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or
Engineering controls
other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits.
The engineering controls also need to keep gas, vapor or dust concentrations below any
explosive limits. Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment.
Personal protection
: Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk
Eyes
assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists or
dusts.
: Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being
Skin
performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before handling
this product.
: Use a properly fitted, air-purifying or air-fed respirator complying with an approved
Respiratory
standard if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary.Respirator selection must be
based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product and the safe
working limits of the selected respirator.
The applicable standards are (US) 29 CFR 1910.134 and (Canada) Z94.4-93
: Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves or gauntlets complying with an approved standard
Hands
should be worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment
indicates this is necessary.
Personal protection in case : Full chemical resistant suit and self-contained breathing apparatus only by trained and
authorized persons.
of a large spill
Consult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits.
Section 9. Physical and chemical properties
44.06 g/mole
Molecular weight :
C2-H4-O
Molecular formula :
10.7掳C (51.3掳F)
Boiling/condensation point :
-112.77掳C (-171掳F)
Melting/freezing point :
195.9掳C (384.6掳F)
Critical temperature :
22 psia
Vapor pressure :
1.52 (Air = 1)
Vapor density :
Specific Volume (ft3/lb) 8.77193
:
Gas Density (lb/ft3) 0.114
:
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Ethylene Oxide
Section 10. Stability and reactivity
: The product is stable.
Stability and reactivity
Incompatibility with various : Extremely reactive or incompatible with oxidizing agents.
substances
Section 11. Toxicological information
Toxicity data
Ingredient name Test Result Route Species
Ethylene Oxide LD50 72 mg/kg Oral Rat
LD50 270 mg/kg Oral Guinea pig
LC50 800 ppm (4 hour Inhalation Rat
(s))
LC50 836 ppm (4 hour Inhalation Mouse
(s))
: 800 ppm
IDLH
Chronic effects on humans : CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS Classified 1 (Proven for human.) by IARC, 1 (Known To Be
:
Human Carcinogens.) by NTP, + (Proven.) by OSHA, + (Proven.) by NIOSH. Classified
A2 (Suspected for human.) by ACGIH, 2 (Suspected for human.) by European Union.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS Classified 2 by European Union.
:
Causes damage to the following organs: blood, kidneys, lungs, the reproductive system,
liver, upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes, central nervous system (CNS), eye, lens or
cornea.
: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of inhalation (lung
Other toxic effects on
irritant).
humans
Specific effects
: Can cause cancer. Risk of cancer depends on duration and level of exposure.
Carcinogenic effects
: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Mutagenic effects
: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Reproduction toxicity
Section 12. Ecological information
Ingredient name Species Period Result
Ethylene Oxide Pimephales promelas (LC50) 96 hour(s) 84 mg/l
: These products are carbon oxides (CO, CO 2) and water.
Products of degradation
: The products of degradation are less toxic than the product itself.
Toxicity of the products of
biodegradation
: Not available.
Environmental fate
: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Environmental hazards
: Not available.
Toxicity to the environment
Section 13. Disposal considerations
Product removed from the cylinder must be disposed of in accordance with appropriate Federal, State, local
regulation.Return cylinders with residual product to Airgas, Inc.Do not dispose of locally.
Section 14. Transport information
Regulatory UN number Proper shipping Class Packing group Label Additional
information name information
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Ethylene Oxide
DOT Classification UN1040 Ethylene Oxide 2.3 Not applicable (gas). Reportable
quantity
INHALATION
HAZARD
10 lbs. (4.536
2
kg)
FLAMMABLE GAS
2
TDG Classification UN1040 Ethylene Oxide 2.3 Not applicable (gas). Explosive
Limit and
Limited
2
Quantity
Index
0
2
ERAP Index
500
Passenger
Carrying Ship
Index
Forbidden
Passenger
Carrying
Road or Rail
Index
Forbidden
UN1040 Ethylene Oxide 2.3 Not applicable (gas). -
Mexico
Classification INHALATION
HAZARD
2
FLAMMABLE GAS
2
Section 15. Regulatory information
United States
: TSCA 8(b) inventory: Ethylene oxide
U.S. Federal regulations
SARA 302/304/311/312 extremely hazardous substances: Ethylene oxide
SARA 302/304 emergency planning and notification: Ethylene oxide
SARA 302/304/311/312 hazardous chemicals: Ethylene oxide
SARA 311/312 MSDS distribution - chemical inventory - hazard identification: Ethylene
oxide: Fire hazard, reactive, Sudden Release of Pressure, Immediate (Acute) Health
Hazard, Delayed (Chronic) Health Hazard
Clean Water Act (CWA) 307: No products were found.
Clean Water Act (CWA) 311: No products were found.
Clean air act (CAA) 112 accidental release prevention: Ethylene oxide
Clean air act (CAA) 112 regulated flammable substances: No products were found.
Clean air act (CAA) 112 regulated toxic substances: Ethylene oxide
SARA 313
Product name CAS number Concentration
: Ethylene Oxide 75-21-8 100
Form R - Reporting
requirements
: Ethylene Oxide 75-21-8 100
Supplier notification
SARA 313 notifications must not be detached from the MSDS and any copying and redistribution of the MSDS shall
include copying and redistribution of the notice attached to copies of the MSDS subsequently redistributed.
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Ethylene Oxide
: Pennsylvania RTK: Ethylene oxide: (special hazard, environmental hazard, generic
State regulations
environmental hazard)
Massachusetts RTK: Ethylene oxide
New Jersey: Ethylene oxide
: WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause
California prop. 65
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Ingredient name Cancer Reproductive No significant risk Maximum
level acceptable dosage
level
Ethylene Oxide Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Canada
: Class A: Compressed gas.
WHMIS (Canada)
Class B-1: Flammable gas.
Class D-1A: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (VERY TOXIC).
Class D-2A: Material causing other toxic effects (VERY TOXIC).
CEPA DSL: Ethylene oxide
Section 16. Other information
United States
: CANCER HAZARD.
Label Requirements
CAN CAUSE CANCER.
FLAMMABLE GAS.
CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE.
HARMFUL IF INHALED OR SWALLOWED.
CAUSES SEVERE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANS: BLOOD, KIDNEYS, LUNGS,
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM, LIVER, RESPIRATORY TRACT, SKIN, EYES, CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM, EYE, LENS OR CORNEA.
VAPOR MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE.
Canada
: Class A: Compressed gas.
Label Requirements
Class B-1: Flammable gas.
Class D-1A: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (VERY TOXIC).
Class D-2A: Material causing other toxic effects (VERY TOXIC).
*3
Hazardous Material : Health
Information System (U.S.A.)
4
Fire hazard
3
Reactivity
C
Personal protection
National Fire Protection :
Flammability
4
Association (U.S.A.)
3 0
Health Instability
Special
Notice to reader
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither the above named
supplier nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the
information contained herein.
Final determination of suitability of any material is the sole responsibility of the user. All materials may present
unknown hazards and should be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein, we cannot
guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.
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