International Chemical Safety Cards

ETHYLENE OXIDE

ICSC: 0155

ETHYLENE OXIDE
1,2-Epoxyethane
Oxirane
Dimethylene oxide
(cylinder)
C₂H₄O
Molecular mass: 44.1

CAS # 75-21-8
RTECS # KX2450000
ICSC # 0155
UN # 1040
EC # 603-023-00-X

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion as a result of violent decomposition when heated.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION	Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Vomiting. Weakness Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness. Burning sensation. Pain. Blisters. ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Protective gloves. Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.	Eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Remove gas with fine water spray (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Cool.

F+ symbol
T symbol
R: 45-46-12-23-36/37/38
S: 53-45
Note: E
UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0155

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

ETHYLENE OXIDE

ICSC: 0155

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize due to heating, under the influence of acids, bases, metal chlorides and metal oxides with fire or explosion hazard. The substance decomposes on heating above 500°C , causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with many compounds. Metal fittings containing silver, copper, mercury, or magnesium should not be used since they may react with impurities in the gas to form explosive compounds.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 1 ppm; 1.8 mg/m³ (as TWA) A2 (Suspected Human Carcinogen) (ACGIH 1994-1995).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin in water solution.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of very high concentrations may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Water solutions may cause skin burns. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the eyes , resulting in delayed development of cataract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis in water solutions. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the nervous system. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. May cause heritable genetic damage in humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 11°C
Melting point: -111°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
Solubility in water: very good
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 146

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.5
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 429°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3-100
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.3

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state. UN numbers 1041, 1952, 2983, 3297, 3298, 3299, 3300 apply to mixtures with other gases.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-16
NFPA Code: H2; F4; R3

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0155	ETHYLENE OXIDE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.

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