Material Safety Data Sheet
Ethylene Oxide
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME: Ethylene Oxide
OTHER/GENERIC NAMES: EO, EtO, Dihydrooxirene, Dimethylene Oxide, Oxane, Oxiran, Oxirane, Oxacylcopropane,
Oxidoethane, 1,2,-Epoxyethane
PRODUCT USE: Sterilant gas used to sterilize medical products. Users must follow the requirements of the OSHA
occupational exposure standard for ethylene oxide (29 CFR 1910.1047).
MANUFACTURER: Honeywell
101 Columbia Road
Box 1053
Morristown, New Jersey 07962-1053
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL:
(Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm EST) (24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week)
1-800-707-4555 1-800-707-4555 or
Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENT NAME CAS NUMBER WEIGHT %
Ethylene Oxide 75-21-8 100.0
Trace impurities and additional material names not listed above may also appear in Section 15 toward the end of the MSDS.
These materials may be listed for local "Right-To-Know" compliance and for other reasons.
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: An extremely flammable colorless, liquefied, toxic gas mixture
under pressure. May form explosive mixtures with air. The material has an ether-like odor at
high concentrations. Do not breathe vapor. May be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations.
Can cause rapid suffocation due to oxygen deficiency. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and
clothing.
POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS
This mixture is a gas at normal temperature and pressure. Liquid may cause frostbite. Liquid or solutions in
SKIN:
water may cause localized redness, inflammation, swelling and blisters. There may be a latent period of several
hours prior to onset of these symptoms. Sustained contact with the skin is unlikely, but can cause headache,
dizziness, nausea and vomiting. A dilute solution may penetrate skin, producing a chemical burn.
MSDS Number: Oxyf-0001 Page 1 of 9
Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
Liquid causes severe irritation, redness and swelling, and chemical burns of the cornea. Vapor causes moderate
EYES:
irritation resulting in redness and swelling.
Causes irritation of the respiratory tract. Depending on the degree of exposure, there may be stinging
INHALATION:
of the nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, light headedness,
weakness, drowsiness, cyanosis, incoordination, convulsions and coma. May be fatal if inhaled in
high concentrations. May cause lung injury and the delayed onset of pulmonary edema.
Not a probable route of exposure. Will cause severe irritation and ulceration of the mouth and throat,
INGESTION:
abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, collapse and coma. Frostbite of the lips and mouth may result from
contact with the liquid.
DELAYED EFFECTS: At excessive levels, ethylene oxide may present cancer, reproductive, mutagenic, genotoxic,
neurologic and sensitization hazards.
Ingredients found on one of the OSHA designated carcinogen lists are listed below.
INGREDIENT NAME NTP STATUS IARC STATUS OSHA LIST
Ethylene oxide Known 1 - Known Regulated
carcinogen carcinogen carcinogen
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash skin with soap
SKIN:
and water. For exposure to liquid, immediately warm frostbite area with warm water (not to exceed 105掳F). In case
of massive exposure, remove clothing while showering with warm water. Call a physician. Aerate and wash or clean
contaminated clothing before reuse. Discard leather goods and shoes.
Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Immediately call a physician, preferably an
EYES:
opthamologist.
Remove to fresh air. Give artificial respiration if not breathing. Give oxygen if breathing is difficult and a
INHALATION:
qualified operator is present. Call a physician.
If patient is conscious, give at least two glasses of water. Do not induce vomiting. Call a physician.
INGESTION:
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Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
1) Persons exposed to ethylene oxide may develop severe and intractable vomiting, requiring
ADVICE TO PHYSICIAN:
the use of antiemetics given intravenously.
2) Prolonged or high vapor concentration exposure may result in the development of
pulmonary edema after a latent phase of several hours. Also, respiratory tract injury caused by
ethylene oxide may predispose to the development of a secondary respiratory infection.
Individuals exposed to moderately high vapor concentrations of ethylene oxide should be
retained for observation.
3) Following skin contact, primary irritation and blister formation may be delayed in onset.
4) When introduced directly into the bloodstream, ethylene oxide may act as hapten and lead
to the development of anaphylactoid reaction of varying severity. This has been noted in a
few hemodialysis and plasmapheresis patients due to desorption of ethylene oxide from the
sterilized equipment. There appears to be a close association with the presence of IgE
antibodies to albumin/ethylene oxide conjugates.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES
FLASH POINT: < 0掳F
FLASH POINT METHOD: Tag Closed Cup and Tag Open Cup
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: 1058掳F
UPPER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air): 100% (via decomposition)
LOWER FLAME LIMIT (volume % in air): 2.6%
Not applicable.
FLAME PROPAGATION RATE (solids):
OSHA FLAMMABILITY CLASS: Flammable liquid
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol-type or universal-type foams. Evacuate all personnel from danger
area.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Extremely flammable. May form explosive mixtures with air and oxidizing agents. Do not extinguish flames due to
possibility of explosive re-ignition. Flammable vapors may spread from spill. Explosive atmospheres may linger. Before
entering area, especially confined areas, check atmosphere with an appropriate device. No part of a container should be
subjected to a temperature higher than 52掳C (approximately 125掳F). Containers are provided with fusible-relief devices that
are designed to vent the contents when they are exposed to elevated temperatures. Vapors can burn without the presence of
air or oxidizing agents. Ethylene oxide can decompose violently under certain conditions (see Section 10). Refer to DOT
鈥淓mergency Response Guidebook鈥? for isolation and evacuation distances. Vapor in air has very low ignition energy (0.6mJ)
and is prone to static or other low energy ignition sources. Ethylene oxide leaks may spontaneously ignite in certain types of
insulation. This may expose material inside insulated vessels to temperatures that exceed the decomposition temperature of
ethylene oxide.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PRECAUTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS:
Evacuate all personnel from danger area. Immediately cool containers with water spray from maximum distance until cool.
Use self-contained breathing apparatus operated in the pressure demand mode and appropriate protective clothing. Stop
flow of gas if without risk, while continuing cooling water spray. Remove all containers from area of fire if without risk.
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Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
IN CASE OF SPILL OR OTHER RELEASE: (Always wear recommended personal protective equipment.)
Immediately evacuate all personnel from danger area (for maximum safety, evacuate 5000 feet in all directions). Wear self-
contained breathing apparatus operated in the pressure demand mode and appropriate protective clothing. Remove all
sources of ignition if without risk. Ethylene oxide vapors can be reduced with fog or fine water spray. Shut off leak if
without risk. Flood spills with water spray. Prevent runoff, collect for disposal. Neither pure ethylene oxide nor its
aqueous solutions should be discharged to streams or sewers.. Flammable vapors may spread form spill. Ventilate area of
leak or move leaking assembly to well ventilated area. Test area, especially confined areas, for sufficient oxygen and
ethylene oxide concentration prior to permitting re-entry of personnel. Emergency planning as described in 29 CFR
1910.1047, is required for handling releases, spills or emergencies associated with ethylene oxide.
Spills and releases may have to be reported to Federal and/or local authorities. See Section 15 regarding reporting
requirements.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
NORMAL HANDLING: (Always wear recommended personal protective equipment.)
Use piping and equipment adequately designed to withstand pressures to be encountered. Use with adequate ventilation at
all times. Ground all equipment. Only use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment. Keep away from heat,
sparks and open flame. Use only in a closed system. Close valve when not in use and when empty. Never work on a
pressurized system. If there is a leak, close the container valve, blow down the system by venting to a safe place, and then
repair the leak. Do not breathe vapor. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Store in areas with adequate ventilation at all times. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame. Because of the potential
for violent decomposition, storage containers of ethylene oxide must have proper inert gas blanketing and be given
extraordinary protection against fire exposure.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Use local exhaust system with appropriately classified electrical equipment (Class 1, Group B) [see NFPA 497M] with
sufficient air flow velocity to maintain the concentration of ethylene oxide below its Action Level (0.5 ppm) in the worker鈥檚
breathing zone. General mechanical ventilation is not recommended as a primary ventilation system to control worker
exposure. General mechanical ventilation should be used in conjunction with local exhaust ventilation. Ventilation should
be designed in such a manner that no person is exposed to concentrations of ethylene oxide exceeding the OSHA PEL of 1
ppm or the OSHA EL (Excursion Limit) of 5 ppm.
This product must be confined within vapor-tight equipment and stored under pressurized nitrogen or other suitable inert
gas. Confined in this manner, vapors should not be released and general mechanical ventilation is expected to be
satisfactory.
MSDS Number: Oxyf-0001 Page 4 of 9
Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
SKIN PROTECTION:
Butyl rubber gloves. Gloves have a lifetime of approximately 1/2 to 1 hour after contact with liquid ethylene oxide. If
risk of a liquid spill exists, also use butyl rubber shoes and apron.
EYE PROTECTION:
Full faceshield and safety glasses or goggles. Contact lenses should not be worn.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Ethylene oxide is considered to have poor warning properties. Therefore, when exposures requiring the use of a
respirator are indicated, the respirator must have either an end-of-service-life indicator or be a positive pressure, full
facepiece supplied air respirator for use up to 2000 ppm. See 29 CFR 1910.1047(g) for details on specific respirator
selection criteria.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Steel-toe shoes for cylinder handling, safety shower and eyewash fountain. Contaminated rubber gloves and rubber
clothing should be allowed to air out for several days before cleaning and reuse.
EXPOSURE GUIDELINES
INGREDIENT NAME ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL OTHER LIMIT
Ethylene oxide 1 ppm TWA - 8 1 ppm TWA - 8; None
5 ppm EL - 15 min.
* = Limit established by AlliedSignal.
** = Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (AIHA).
*** = Biological Exposure Index (ACGIH).
OTHER EXPOSURE LIMITS FOR POTENTIAL DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
None
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Clear, colorless liquid and vapor. (Shipped and stored under nitrogen pressure as a
APPEARANCE:
liquid)
Gas at normal temperature and pressure
PHYSICAL STATE:
44.05
MOLECULAR WEIGHT:
CH2CH2O
CHEMICAL FORMULA:
Ether-like odor at high concentrations (above approximately 500 ppm)
ODOR:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (water = 1.0): .8697 @ 20掳C (68掳F)
Ethylene oxide is completely miscible in water.
SOLUBILITY IN WATER (weight %):
pH: Not applicable
BOILING POINT: 50.7掳F (10.4掳C)
Not applicable
MELTING POINT:
VAPOR PRESSURE: 21.2 psia @ 68掳F (20掳C)
MSDS Number: Oxyf-0001 Page 5 of 9
Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
1.52
VAPOR DENSITY (air = 1.0):
72
EVAPORATION RATE: COMPARED TO: Butyl Acetate
100
% VOLATILES:
FLASH POINT: <0掳F
(Flash point method and additional flammability data are found in Section 5.)
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
NORMALLY STABLE? (CONDITIONS TO AVOID):
Pure ethylene oxide will decompose violently if exposed to high enough temperature. The temperature required for
decomposition can vary depending on time, pressure and conditions within the system and is reduced as pressure and
volume- to-surface ratios are increased. Decomposition temperatures ranging from 450-560掳C have been observed in
experimental apparatus. Ethylene oxide is stable at ordinary conditions of temperature and pressure and in ordinary use,
handling and storage in the absence of other materials or contaminants. Prevent heat buildup by avoiding flame or heat
impingement on vessels and piping and preventing contamination of ethylene oxide with trace amounts of other materials.
INCOMPATIBILITIES:
Because of the highly reactive nature of ethylene oxide, dangerous runaway reactions can result from contamination with
alkalis, amines, acids, water, metal chlorides, metal oxides and a wide variety of other organic and inorganic materials.
These contaminants can catalyze highly exothermic ethylene oxide reactions which could possibly lead to a violent ethylene
oxide decomposition. Assure piping and vessels are essentially free of reactive metal oxides prior to introduction of
ethylene oxide.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
May occur. Ethylene oxide may polymerize violently if contaminated with aqueous alkalis, amines, mineral acids, metal
chlorides or metal oxides. Avoid contamination of ethylene oxide with trace amounts of other materials. Avoid exposing
stored ethylene oxide to heat or sources of ignition. Trace polymers may be present under ordinary conditions of
temperature, pressure, etc.
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
IMMEDIATE (ACUTE) EFFECTS:
LC50 (Mouse-Inhalation): 836 ppm/4 hr
LC50 (Rat-Inhalation): 1741 ppm/4hr, 5029 ppm / 1 hr
Rabbit, eye: 18 mg/6 hr, moderate irritant
DELAYED (SUBCHRONIC AND CHRONIC) EFFECTS:
Peripheral neuropathies have been reported from chronic inhalation. Occupational exposure to ethylene oxide has been
linked with spontaneous abortions and various cancers including leukemia, stomach and pancreatic, and non-
Hodgkin鈥檚 lymphoma.
Laboratory studies with mice have shown that acute exposure to ethylene oxide vapor at concentrations of 300 ppm and
above cause testicular injury as evidenced by concentration-related increased embryonic deaths following the mating of
exposed males to nonexposed females (Dominant Lethal Test). In a developmental toxicity study with rats exposed to
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Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
ethylene oxide vapor, there was maternal toxicity at 225 ppm and 125 ppm. Fetotxoicity was present as reduced fetal
body weight at all concentrations and increased incidence of skeletal varients at 225 ppm, and to a lesser extent, at 125
ppm. There were no indications of embryotoxicity or malformation. In a two-generation reproduction study involving
exposure of rats to ethylene oxide vapor for 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week, there was parental toxicity at 33 and 100 ppm. The
no observable effect concentration for adult toxicity, offspring effects and reproductive effects was 10 ppm.
OTHER DATA:
None
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
LC50 (96 hr): 84 mg/L for fathead minnow.
May be dangerous if it enters water intakes. In case of release, notify local health and wildlife officials, and operators
of nearby water intakes.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
RCRA
Yes
Is the unused product a RCRA hazardous waste if discarded?
U115 and D001
If yes, the RCRA ID number is:
OTHER DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Discard any product or residue in an environmentally acceptable manner, in full compliance with Federal, State and
Local regulations.
The information offered here is for the product as shipped. Use and/or alterations to the product such as mixing with other
materials may significantly change the characteristics of the material and alter the RCRA classification and the proper disposal
method.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Proper Shipping Name: Ethylene Oxide
US DOT HAZARD CLASS:
Hazard Class: 2.3, 2.1
Toxic Inhalation Hazard
Zone D
UN 1040
US DOT ID NUMBER:
For additional information on shipping regulations affecting this material, contact the information number found in Section 1.
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA)
Listed on the TSCA Inventory
TSCA INVENTORY STATUS:
MSDS Number: Oxyf-0001 Page 7 of 9
Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
None
OTHER TSCA ISSUES:
SARA TITLE III/CERCLA
"Reportable Quantities" (RQs) and/or "Threshold Planning Quantities" (TPQs) exist for the following ingredients.
INGREDIENT NAME SARA/CERCLA RQ (lb) SARA EHS TPQ (lb)
Ethylene oxide 10 1000
Spills or releases resulting in the loss of any ingredient at or above its RQ requires immediate notification to the
National Response Center [(800) 424-8802] and to your Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Fire
SECTION 311 HAZARD CLASS:
Immediate
Delayed
Pressure
SARA 313 TOXIC CHEMICALS:
The following ingredients are SARA 313 "Toxic Chemicals". CAS
numbers and weight percents are found in Section 2.
INGREDIENT NAME COMMENT
Ethylene oxide None
STATE RIGHT-TO-KNOW
In addition to the ingredients found in Section 2, the following are listed for state right-to-know purposes.
INGREDIENT NAME WEIGHT % COMMENT
*No ingredients listed in this section*
ADDITIONAL REGULATORY INFORMATION:
Federal Emissions Regulations for Ethylene oxide - NESHAP, 40 CFR Part 63
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION (CANADA):
This product has been evaluated in accordance with the hazard criteria of the CPR and the MSDS contains all the
information required by the CPR.
FOREIGN INVENTORY STATUS:
EINECS number 2008499
Listed on DSL
16. OTHER INFORMATION
September, 2000
CURRENT ISSUE DATE:
January, 2000
PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE:
MSDS Number: Oxyf-0001 Page 8 of 9
Current Issue Date: September, 2000
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Ethylene Oxide
CHANGES TO MSDS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUE DATE ARE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING:
Section 3: Revised NTP status
Section 5: Revised LEL
NFPA Code: Health - 3, Fire 鈥? 4, Reactivity - 3
OTHER INFORMATION:
MSDS Number: Oxyf-0001 Page 9 of 9
Current Issue Date: September, 2000
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