Ethylene oxide is widely used chemical that is a hazardous substance with carcinogenic potential.
Acute exposure may be associated with:
(1) irritation to mucus membranes
(2) pulmonary toxicity
(3) damage to cornea and lens
(4) peripheral neuropathy
(5) nausea and vomiting
(6) headache
(7) dermatitis
(8) fever
(9) impaired CNS function (reduced hand-eye coordination, memory loss, seizures)
(10) frostbite (contact with liquefied ethylene oxide)
Consequences of burning or explosion:
(1) thermal burn
(2) blast injury
(3) carbon monoxide
Chronic exposure is associated with:
(1) several malignant tumors (leukemia, malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, others)
(2) sensitization with allergy
(3) reproductive risks (teratogen, testes)
Although ethylene oxide has a sweet, aromatic smell at higher concentrations, it may be odorless and undetectable at toxic concentrations. Air level monitoring is required for accurate detection.
