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ETHYLENE OXIDE
(cylinder) 		ICSC: 0155
Peer-Review Status: 18.10.2001 Validated
1,2-Epoxyethane
Oxirane
Dimethylene oxide 
CAS #: 75-21-8 RTECS #: KX2450000
UN #: 1040
EC #: 603-023-00-X
EINECS #: 200-849-9
 		    Formula: C2H4O
Molecular mass: 44.1

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 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. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Vomiting. Weakness.  Use closed system or ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE. Dry skin. Redness. Pain.  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.  Wear eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.   

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT wash away into sewer. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Remove gas with fine water spray.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F+, T; R: 45-46-12-23-36/37/38; S: 53-45; Note: E 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1040 or 20GTF.
NFPA Code: H2; F4; R3.  		Fireproof. Cool. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

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. This generates fire or explosion hazard. Decomposes above 560°C in the absence of air. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with many compounds. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 1ppm as TWA; A2 (suspected human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 2; Germ cell mutagen group: 2; Skin absorption (H); (DFG 2004). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

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 vapour is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Water solutions may cause skin blisters. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma. The substance may have effects on the nervous system. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. May cause heritable genetic damage to human germ cells. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 11°C
Melting point: -111°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
Solubility in water: miscible
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   		The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact with this substance.
The symptoms of asthma 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.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Ethylene oxide (EHC 55, 1985)
       Ethylene oxide (HSG 16, 1988)
       ETHYLENE OXIDE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Ethylene oxide (FAO Meeting Report PL/1965/10/2)
       Ethylene oxide (FAO/PL:1968/M/9/1)
       Ethylene oxide (WHO Pesticide Residues Series 1)
       Ethylene oxide (CICADS 54, 2003)
       Ethylene Oxide (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 60, 1994)