Name:
Ethylene oxide
Synonym:
Dihydrooxirene; Dimethylene oxide; EO; 1,2-Epoxyethane; Oxacyclopropane; Oxane; Oxidoethane; alpha,beta-Oxidoethane; Oxiran; Oxirane; EtO
CAS:
75-21-8
Section 1 - Chemical Product
MSDS Name:Ethylene oxide
Synonym:Dihydrooxirene; Dimethylene oxide; EO; 1,2-Epoxyethane; Oxacyclopropane; Oxane; Oxidoethane; alpha,beta-Oxidoethane; Oxiran; Oxirane; EtO
Synonym:Dihydrooxirene; Dimethylene oxide; EO; 1,2-Epoxyethane; Oxacyclopropane; Oxane; Oxidoethane; alpha,beta-Oxidoethane; Oxiran; Oxirane; EtO
Section 2 - COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
| CAS# | Chemical Name | emsds | EINECS# |
| 75-21-8 | Ethylene oxide | >99 | 200-849-9 |
| Hazard Symbols: T F+ Risk Phrases: 12 23 36/37/38 45 46 |
Section 3 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Extremely flammable. Toxic by inhalation. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. May cause cancer. May cause heritable genetic damage.Water-reactive.
Potential Health Effects
Eye:
Causes eye irritation and possible burns.
Skin:
May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. May cause frostbite.
Causes skin irritation and possible burns. Contact with moist skin may lead to severe dermatitis with blisters and burns.
Ingestion:
Harmful if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause systemic toxicity with acidosis. May cause central nervous system depression. May cause frostbite.
Inhalation:
Effects may be delayed. May cause cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood). Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. May cause anosmia (loss of smell). Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Harmful if inhaled.
Chronic:
Repeated exposure may cause sensitization dermatitis. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Chronic exposure may cause lung damage. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects.
Extremely flammable. Toxic by inhalation. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. May cause cancer. May cause heritable genetic damage.Water-reactive.
Potential Health Effects
Eye:
Causes eye irritation and possible burns.
Skin:
May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. May cause frostbite.
Causes skin irritation and possible burns. Contact with moist skin may lead to severe dermatitis with blisters and burns.
Ingestion:
Harmful if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause systemic toxicity with acidosis. May cause central nervous system depression. May cause frostbite.
Inhalation:
Effects may be delayed. May cause cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood). Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. May cause anosmia (loss of smell). Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Harmful if inhaled.
Chronic:
Repeated exposure may cause sensitization dermatitis. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Chronic exposure may cause lung damage. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects.
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.
Skin:
Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Treat for frostbite.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
Inhalation:
Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
Notes to Physician:
If cyanosis is severe, intravenous injection of Methylene Blue, 1mg/kg of body weight may be of value. Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Skin:
Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Treat for frostbite.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
Inhalation:
Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
Notes to Physician:
If cyanosis is severe, intravenous injection of Methylene Blue, 1mg/kg of body weight may be of value. Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
General Information:
As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Vapors may form an explosive mixture with air.
Vapors can travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Containers may explode in the heat of a fire. May form explosive peroxides. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flame. Extremely flammable gas.
Extinguishing Media:
For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Water may be ineffective. Do NOT use straight streams of water. DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Vapors may form an explosive mixture with air.
Vapors can travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Containers may explode in the heat of a fire. May form explosive peroxides. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flame. Extremely flammable gas.
Extinguishing Media:
For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Water may be ineffective. Do NOT use straight streams of water. DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks:
Use water spray to disperse the gas/vapor. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
Spills/Leaks:
Use water spray to disperse the gas/vapor. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
Section 7 - HANDLING and STORAGE
Handling:
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Take precautionary measures against static discharges. Do not ingest or inhale. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Do not breathe vapor. Use only with adequate ventilation.
Keep away from heat, sparks and flame.
Storage:
Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool place in the original container and protect from sunlight. Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a tightly closed container. Flammables-area. Keep away from acids. Keep away from strong bases.
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Take precautionary measures against static discharges. Do not ingest or inhale. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Do not breathe vapor. Use only with adequate ventilation.
Keep away from heat, sparks and flame.
Storage:
Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool place in the original container and protect from sunlight. Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a tightly closed container. Flammables-area. Keep away from acids. Keep away from strong bases.
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION
Engineering Controls:
Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use only under a chemical fume hood. See 29CFR 1910.1047 for regulations applying to all occupational exposures to ethylene oxide.
Exposure Limits CAS# 75-21-8: United Kingdom, WEL - TWA: 5 ppm TWA; 9.2 mg/m3 TWA United Kingdom, WEL - STEL: 15 ppm STEL; 27.6 mg/m3 STEL United States OSHA: ; 1 ppm PEL; 0.5 ppm Action Level; 5 ppm Excursion Limit (15 min. Cancer hazard a nd reproductive hazard see 29 CFR 1910.1047) Belgium - TWA: 1 ppm VLE; 1.8 mg/m3 VLE France - VME: 1 ppm VME France - VLE: 5 ppm VLE Germany: 1 ppm TWA; 2 mg/m3 TWA Germany: Skin absorber Japan: 1 ppm OEL; 1.8 mg/m3 OEL Malaysia: 1 ppm TWA; 1.8 mg/m3 TWA Netherlands: 0.5 ppm MAC; 0.84 mg/m3 MAC Russia: 1 mg/m3 TWA Spain: 1 ppm VLA-ED; 1.8 mg/m3 VLA-ED Personal Protective Equipment Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHAs eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.
Skin:
Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators:
A respiratory protection program that meets OSHAs 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant respirator use.
Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use only under a chemical fume hood. See 29CFR 1910.1047 for regulations applying to all occupational exposures to ethylene oxide.
Exposure Limits CAS# 75-21-8: United Kingdom, WEL - TWA: 5 ppm TWA; 9.2 mg/m3 TWA United Kingdom, WEL - STEL: 15 ppm STEL; 27.6 mg/m3 STEL United States OSHA: ; 1 ppm PEL; 0.5 ppm Action Level; 5 ppm Excursion Limit (15 min. Cancer hazard a nd reproductive hazard see 29 CFR 1910.1047) Belgium - TWA: 1 ppm VLE; 1.8 mg/m3 VLE France - VME: 1 ppm VME France - VLE: 5 ppm VLE Germany: 1 ppm TWA; 2 mg/m3 TWA Germany: Skin absorber Japan: 1 ppm OEL; 1.8 mg/m3 OEL Malaysia: 1 ppm TWA; 1.8 mg/m3 TWA Netherlands: 0.5 ppm MAC; 0.84 mg/m3 MAC Russia: 1 mg/m3 TWA Spain: 1 ppm VLA-ED; 1.8 mg/m3 VLA-ED Personal Protective Equipment Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHAs eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.
Skin:
Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators:
A respiratory protection program that meets OSHAs 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant respirator use.
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Physical State: Gas
Color: colorless
Odor: sweetish odor - ether-like
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 1095 mm Hg @ 20 deg C
Viscosity: 9.45x10-3 mPas
Boiling Point: 10.7 deg C
Freezing/Melting Point: -111 deg C
Autoignition Temperature: 429 deg C ( 804.20 deg F)
Flash Point: -20 deg C ( -4.00 deg F)
Explosion Limits, lower: 3.00 vol %
Explosion Limits, upper: 100.0 vol %
Decomposition Temperature: Not available.
Solubility in water: Miscible.
Specific Gravity/Density: 0.8711
Molecular Formula: C2H4O
Molecular Weight: 44.0274
Section 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Chemical Stability:
May polymerize violently if contaminated with alkaline or acidic materials and metal oxides or chlorides.
Conditions to Avoid:
High temperatures, mechanical shock, ignition sources, exposure to air.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
Oxidizing agents, strong acids, bases, alcohols, alkali metals, aluminum, amines, ammonia, copper, copper alloys, magnesium, potassium, tin, mercury, alkali hydroxides, silver, mercaptans, glycerol, magnesium perchlorate, tin chloride, water, alkaline hydroxides, chemically active metals, metal oxides, m-nitroaniline, alkane thiols, trimethyl amine, iron chlorides, chemically acitve metal salts, anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin and aluminum..
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will occur.
May polymerize violently if contaminated with alkaline or acidic materials and metal oxides or chlorides.
Conditions to Avoid:
High temperatures, mechanical shock, ignition sources, exposure to air.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
Oxidizing agents, strong acids, bases, alcohols, alkali metals, aluminum, amines, ammonia, copper, copper alloys, magnesium, potassium, tin, mercury, alkali hydroxides, silver, mercaptans, glycerol, magnesium perchlorate, tin chloride, water, alkaline hydroxides, chemically active metals, metal oxides, m-nitroaniline, alkane thiols, trimethyl amine, iron chlorides, chemically acitve metal salts, anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin and aluminum..
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
RTECS#:
CAS# 75-21-8: KX2450000 LD50/LC50:
CAS# 75-21-8: Draize test, rabbit, eye: 18 mg/6H Moderate; Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 836 ppm/4H; Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 800 ppm/4H; Oral, rat: LD50 = 72 mg/kg.
Carcinogenicity:
Ethylene oxide - ACGIH: A2 - Suspected Human Carcinogen California: carcinogen, initial date 7/1/87 NTP: Known carcinogen IARC: Group 1 carcinogen Other:
See actual entry in RTECS for complete information.
CAS# 75-21-8: KX2450000 LD50/LC50:
CAS# 75-21-8: Draize test, rabbit, eye: 18 mg/6H Moderate; Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 836 ppm/4H; Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 800 ppm/4H; Oral, rat: LD50 = 72 mg/kg.
Carcinogenicity:
Ethylene oxide - ACGIH: A2 - Suspected Human Carcinogen California: carcinogen, initial date 7/1/87 NTP: Known carcinogen IARC: Group 1 carcinogen Other:
See actual entry in RTECS for complete information.
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ecotoxicity:
Fish: Goldfish: LC50 = 90 mg/L; 24 Hr; Modified ASTM D 1345
Fish: Goldfish: LC50 = 90 mg/L; 24 Hr; Modified ASTM D 1345
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Products which are considered hazardous for supply are classified as Special Waste and the disposal of such chemicals is covered by regulations which may vary according to location. Contact a specialist disposal company or the local waste regulator for advice. Empty containers must be decontaminated before returning for recycling.
Section 14 - TRANSPORT INFORMATION
IATA
Not regulated as a hazardous material.
IMO
Not regulated as a hazardous material.
RID/ADR
Not regulated as a hazardous material.
USA RQ: CAS# 75-21-8: 10 lb final RQ; 4.54 kg final RQ
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols: T F+
Risk Phrases:
R 45 May cause cancer.
R 46 May cause heritable genetic damage.
R 12 Extremely flammable.
R 23 Toxic by inhalation.
R 36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system
and skin.
Safety Phrases:
S 53 Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions
before use.
S 45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek
medical advice immediately (show the label where
possible).
WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
CAS# 75-21-8: 2
Canada
CAS# 75-21-8 is listed on Canadas DSL List.
CAS# 75-21-8 is listed on Canadas Ingredient Disclosure List.
US FEDERAL
TSCA
CAS# 75-21-8 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
