Stronger effect / evidence
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Weaker effect / evidence

Ethylene oxide

CAS: 75-21-8

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) EffectsData sources

Toxic To Humans & Animals, priority yellow
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Can be fatal on contact, ingestion or inhalation for humans and other mammals.
Irritates The Skin, priority orange
Irritates the Skin – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the skin.
Irritates The Eyes, priority orange
Irritates the Eyes – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the eye.

Chronic (Long Term) EffectsData sources

Asthma Trigger, priority yellow
Asthma Trigger – Can result in high sensitivity so that small quantities trigger asthma, nose or sinus inflammation or other allergic reactions in the respiratory system.
Brain/nervous System Harm, priority gray
Brain/Nervous System Harm – Can cause damage to the nervous system including the brain.
Cancer, priority red
Cancer – Can cause or increase the risk of cancer.
Birth Defects, priority red
Birth Defects – Can cause harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Reproductive Harm, priority red
Reproductive Harm – Can disrupt the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of the fetus during pregnancy.
Other Health Effects, priority yellow
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.
Gene Damage, priority red
Gene Damage – Can cause or increase the rate of mutations, which are changes in genetic material in cells.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior (the endocrine system).
Breast Cancer, priority gray
Breast Cancer – Known to increase mammary gland tumors in animals.
Sensitizes The Skin, priority yellow
Sensitizes the Skin – Can lead to allergic reactions on the skin.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Asthma Trigger

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Asthmagen (A) - expert listed pending AEOC review
    AOEC - Asthmagens
    Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
  • Asthmagen (Rr) - irritant-induced
    AOEC - Asthmagens
    Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
  • Respiratory sensitisation category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (New Zealand EPA)
  • Asthma - allergen, sensitizer - good evidence
    CHE - Toxicant Database
    Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE)
  • Agent Causing Occupational Asthma
    Quebec CSST - Asthma Agents
    Québec Workplace Health and Safety Commission (Commission de la santé et de la securite du travail (CSST))

Direct Hazard » Brain/Nervous System Harm

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Neurotoxic
    G&L - Neurotoxic Chemicals
    Lancet: authors Philippe Grandjean & Phil Landrigan
  • H336 - May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Narcotic effects - Category 3]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H336 - May cause drowsiness or dizziness (unverified) [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Narcotic effects - Category 3]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Cancer

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • (1999, 2005) Carcinogenic to humans
    US EPA - IRIS Carcinogens
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Group 1 - Agent is Carcinogenic to humans
    IARC
    International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization (IARC)
  • Carcinogen
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)
  • Occupational Carcinogen
    US CDC - Occupational Carcinogens
    US Centers for Disease Control (US CDC)
  • Known to be a human Carcinogen
    US NIH - Report on Carcinogens
    US Department of Health & Human Services - National Institutes of Health (US NIH)
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Carcinogens: Category 1B
    EU - REACH Annex XVII CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Carcinogen Group 2 - Considered to be carcinogenic for man
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • Carcinogen Category 1B - Presumed Carcinogen based on animal evidence
    EU - Annex VI CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Carcinogenicity category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (New Zealand EPA)
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1A]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • H350 - May cause cancer [Carcinogenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H350 - May cause cancer (unverified) [Carcinogenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Birth Defects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Developmental toxicity
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)

Direct Hazard » Reproductive Harm

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Reproductive Toxicity - Female
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)
  • Reproductive Toxicity - Male
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)
  • H360Fd - May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Reproductive toxicants: Category 1B
    EU - REACH Annex XVII CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Reproductive toxicity category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (New Zealand EPA)
  • H360 - May damage fertility or the unborn child [Toxic to reproduction - Category 1B]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • Reproductive Toxicity - Category 1B
    EU - Annex VI CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H360 - Suspected of / May damage fertility and/or the unborn child (unverified) [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Other Health Effects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation - Category 3]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation [Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure - Category 3]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following repeated exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H373 - May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following repeated exposure - Category 2]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H370 - Causes damage to organs [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following single exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation - Category 3]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation (unverified) [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation - Category 3]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (unverified) [Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation [Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure - Category 3]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (New Zealand EPA)

Direct Hazard » Gene Damage

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H340 - May cause genetic defects [Germ cell mutagenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Germ cell mutagens: Category 1B
    EU - REACH Annex XVII CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H340 - May cause genetic defects [Germ cell mutagenicity - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • Mutagen - Category 1B
    EU - Annex VI CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Germ cell mutagenicity category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (New Zealand EPA)
  • H340 - May cause genetic defects [Germ cell mutagenicity - Category 1B]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • Germ Cell Mutagen 2
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • H340 - May cause genetic defects [Germ cell mutagenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • H340 - May cause genetic defects [Germ cell mutagenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H340 - May cause genetic defects (unverified) [Germ cell mutagenicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Endocrine Disruption

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Potential Endocrine Disruptor
    TEDX - Potential Endocrine Disruptors
    The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX)
  • ECHA Endocrine disruptor assessment list
    ECHA Endocrine Disruptors
    European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Direct Hazard » Breast Cancer

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Chemicals that increased mammary gland tumors in animal studies
    Silent Spring - Breast Cancer Chemicals
    Silent Spring Institute

Direct Hazard » Sensitizes the Skin

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Skin sensitisation category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (New Zealand EPA)
  • H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction [Skin sensitizer - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction [Skin sensitization - Category 1]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
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Inherent HazardsData sources

Restricted List, priority gray
Restricted List – This chemical is on a list from an authoritative body recommending that its use be avoided.
Flammable, priority orange
Flammable – Easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly.
Reactive, priority yellow
Reactive – May spontaneously ignite or explode on its own or in contact with water.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Restricted List

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Cancer causing substances subject to workplace management or avoidance
    US OSHA - Carcinogens
    US Department of Labor
  • HAPs subject to the Clean Air Act
    US EPA - Hazardous Air Pollutants
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Annex III Restricted Pesticide
    UNEP - PIC Annex III
    United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • Candidate Chemical List
    CA SCP - Candidate Chemicals
    California Department of Toxic Substance Control (CA DTSC)
  • Substances selected for RMOA or hazard assessment
    EU - PACT-RMOA Substances
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • V3 2014 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Antimicrobials
    GSPI - Six Classes Precautionary List
    Green Science Policy Institute (GSPI)
  • Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products
    Health Canada - Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
    Health Canada
  • Chemicals of High Concern
    MDH - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Minnesota Department of Public Health
  • Annex II - Prohibited Substances
    EU - Cosmetics Regulation
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • CoHC List (non SVHC)
    CPA - Chemical Footprint
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Children's Products
    C2C Certified v4.0 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Formulated Consumer Products
    C2C Certified v4.0 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • 2019 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Tier 1 “Do Not Use Chemicals” for Everyone
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Red List of Chemicals of Concern
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
  • Prohibited Chemicals
    Credo Beauty's Restricted Substance List
    Credo
  • Reportable Chemicals
    MA Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) listed substances
    Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
    C2C Certified v4.0 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Food Contact Chemicals Database Version 5.0
    Food Contact Chemicals Database (FCCdb)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Contact Chemicals of Concern List (FCCoCL) - TIER 2
    Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoCL)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
  • FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    Food Safety Alliance for Packaging (FSAP)
  • FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Other Chemicals of Concern
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Food Service Ware RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Food Packaging Forum Priority Substances List
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Food Service Ware RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • TSCA Commercially Active
    TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (Active-Inactive)
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • GreenScreen LT-1 (based on 2018 Chemical Footprint Project)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Tier 1 “Do Not Use” Chemicals of Greater Concern for Black Women
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Red List of Chemicals of Concern
    Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
  • Restricted Substances in Products
    Apple Regulated Substances Specification
    Apple Inc.
  • Reportable Substances and Future Restrictions in Products
    Apple Regulated Substances Specification
    Apple Inc.
  • DSL-all
    EC - CEPA DSL
    Environment Canada & Health Canada (EC)
  • TSCA - Substantial Risk Notices
    TSCA Chemical Substantial Risk Notices
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • NICNAS
    Australia - National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessments (NICNAS)
    Australian Government
  • All Products
    C2C Certified v4.1 Product Standard Restricted Substances - Effective July 1, 2024
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
    C2C Certified v4.1 Product Standard Restricted Substances - Effective July 1, 2024
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Japan - CSCL
    Japan - Chemical Substances Control Law
    Government of Japan

Direct Hazard » Flammable

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H220 - Extremely flammable gas [Flammable gases - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H220 - Extremely flammable gas [Flammable gases - Category 1]
    GHS - Korea
    Republic of Korea - National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)
  • Class B1 - Flammable gases
    Québec CSST - WHMIS 1988
    Québec Workplace Health and Safety Commission (Commission de la santé et de la securite du travail (CSST))
  • H220 - Extremely flammable gas [Flammable gases - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H220 - Extremely flammable gas [Flammable gases - Category 1]
    GHS - Malaysia
    Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health
  • H220 - Extremely flammable gas [Flammable gases - Category 1]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H220 - Extremely flammable gas (unverified) [Flammable gases - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Flammable gas category 1A, chemically unstable gas A
    GHS - New Zealand
    Te Mana Rauhī Taiao (New Zealand EPA)

Direct Hazard » Reactive

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Class E - Corrosive materials
    Québec CSST - WHMIS 1988
    Québec Workplace Health and Safety Commission (Commission de la santé et de la securite du travail (CSST))
  • Class F - Dangerously reactive materials
    Québec CSST - WHMIS 1988
    Québec Workplace Health and Safety Commission (Commission de la santé et de la securite du travail (CSST))
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How does this chemical impact the environment?Data sources

Persistent, priority red
Persistent – Does not break down readily from natural processes.
Immediate Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority yellow
Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – A single exposure may result in severe biological harm or death to fish or other aquatic organisms.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Persistent

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Persistent
    EC - CEPA DSL
    Environment Canada & Health Canada (EC)

Direct Hazard » Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H402 - Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 3]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
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What safer alternatives are available for this chemical?

Find case studies related to substitutions for this chemical in SubsPORT, the substitution support portal.

How am I likely to be exposed to this chemical?

Toxic if swallowed
Ingestion
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Skin contact
Causes serious eye damage
Eye contact
Toxic if inhaled
Inhalation

How can I protect myself from exposure to this chemical in the workplace?

gloves
Handle with gloves
suit
Protective clothing
glasses
Safety eyeware
respirator
Respirator