Exposure is also linked to spontaneous abortion, genetic damage, nerve damage, peripheral paralysis, muscle weakness, as well as impaired thinking and memory. The liquid form of ethylene oxide can cause severe skin irritation when exposure is prolonged or confined.

Where risks occur

There is a high risk of exposure to ethylene oxide of workers in medical services, printing industry, industrial chemical manufacturing, rubber and plastic manufacturing.

More about the substance

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas at temperatures above 10.7 °C that smells like ether at toxic levels. It has a higher density than air, which means at can easily spread on ground level. Ethylene oxide is found in the production of solvents, antifreeze, textiles, detergents, adhesives, polyurethane foam, and pharmaceuticals. The major use of ethylene oxide is as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of ethylene glycol. The substance is present in smaller amounts in fumigants, sterilization agents for spices, cosmetics and surgical equipment.

How the symptoms can affect you

Acute effects and early symptoms of exposure to ethylene oxide may cause eye pain, sore throat, difficult breathing, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, convulsions, blisters, coughing, increased miscarriages in female workers, testicular degeneration and lower sperm concentration. Aqueous solutions may cause skin blistering. Rapid evaporation of the liquid form of the substance may cause frostbite. Prolonged or repeated contact with ethylene oxide may cause skin sensitization. Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause asthma. The substance may as well affect the nervous system. Prolonged exposure may cause leukemia, lymphoid or breast cancer.

The latency period of ethylene oxide related cancer varies from nine to 20 years.

What you can do

The most effective way to prevent exposure is to substitute with ethylene oxide-free or lower- ethylene oxide products. If ethylene oxide-containing products cannot be substituted, the exposure to ethylene oxide should be reduced through engineering controls. For example, install non-sparking ventilation systems and provide eyewash and safety shower if contact or splash hazard exists. Continuously carry out correct exposure measurements so that it is known when action should be taken. Investigate whether workers report early symptoms. Make workers continuously aware of the effects of exposure. In addition, train workers on hazards, safe work practices and on effective hygiene measures. To protect on the individual level, workers should wear goggles and proper protective clothing to protect the skin at all times in areas where there is a risk of splashes from liquid ethylene oxide. All clothing that has been degraded by ethylene oxide should be discarded. The workers should not eat, drink, or smoke while working with ethylene oxide. Personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort, after introducing the possible engineering solutions.