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Ethylene oxide																				Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
			Dimethylene oxide, 1,2-Epoxy ethane, Oxirane
CAS No.
			75-21-8
	RTECS No.
			KX2450000
	DOT ID & Guide
			1040 119P

FormulaC2H4O
	Conversion
			1 ppm = 1.80 mg/m3
	IDLH
			Ca [800 ppm]See: 75218

Exposure Limits
			NIOSH RELCa TWA <0.1 ppm (0.18 mg/m3) C 5 ppm (9 mg/m3) [10-min/day] See Appendix A
					OSHA PEL [1910.1047] TWA 1 ppm 5 ppm [15-minute Excursion]
	Measurement Methods
			**NIOSH** 1614 , 3800;**OSHA** 30 , 49 , 50
					
					See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
										
Physical Description
			Colorless gas or liquid (below 51°F) with an ether-like odor.													
										
Molecular Weight44.1	
	Boiling Point51°F
	Freezing Point-171°F
	SolubilityMiscible
	Vapor Pressure1.46 atm
	Ionization Potential10.56 eV											
Specific Gravity0.82 (Liquid at 50°F)	
	Flash PointNA (Gas) -20°F (Liquid)
	Upper Explosive Limit100%
	Lower Explosive Limit3.0%
	Relative Gas Density1.49
Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
			Strong acids, alkalis & oxidizers; chlorides of iron, aluminum & tin; oxides of iron & aluminum; water
Exposure Routes
			inhalation, ingestion, (liquid), skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
			irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; peculiar taste; headache; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), cyanosis, pulmonary edema; drowsiness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), incoordination; EKG abnormal; eye, skin burns (liquid or high vapor concentration); liquid: frostbite; reproductive effects; ; In Animals: convulsions; liver, kidney damage [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
			Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, central nervous system, blood, kidneys, reproductive system
Cancer Site[peritoneal cancer, leukemia]										
Personal Protection/Sanitation
			(See protection codes) **Skin:**Prevent skin contact (liquid)
							**Eyes:**Prevent eye contact (liquid)
							**Wash skin:**When contaminated (liquid)
							**Remove:**When wet (flammable)
							**Change:**No recommendation
							**Provide:**Quick drench (liquid)
	First Aid
			(See procedures)**Eye:**Irrigate immediately
							**Skin:**Water flush immediately
							**Breathing:**Respiratory support
							**Swallow:**Medical attention immediately (liquid)
Respirator Recommendations
			(See Appendix E)**NIOSH****Up to 5 ppm**: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern†(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece**Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:** (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus**Escape:** (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern†Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
				Important additional information about respirator selection
See also
			INTRODUCTION
					  ICSC CARD: 0155
					  MEDICAL TESTS: 0106

			
							

			Page last reviewed:  October 30, 2019						Content
							source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
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Appendices
A – NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens
B – Thirteen OSHA-Regulated Carcinogens
C – Supplementary Exposure Limits
D – Substances with No Established RELs
E – OSHA Respirator Requirements for Selected Chemicals
F – Miscellaneous Notes
G – 1989 Air Contaminants Update Project: Exposure Limits NOT in Effect
Type C & CE – Definitions for Type C and Type CE Respirators
Personal Protection and Sanitation Codes
First Aid Procedures Follow NIOSH Facebook
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