redLikely to cause
orangeCan cause
yellowMay cause

Ethylene oxide

CAS: 75-21-8

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) Effects

Toxic To Humans & Animals, priority yellow
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Toxicity or fatality on contact, ingestion or inhalation to humans and other mammals.
Skin Irritation, priority orange
Skin Irritation – Irritation or serious damage to the skin.
Eye Irritation, priority orange
Eye Irritation – Irritation or serious damage to the eyes.

Chronic (Long Term) Effects

Allergen/asthmagen, priority orange
Allergen/Asthmagen – Immune system responses that result in respiratory health effects that occur with increased sensitivity to lower and lower exposures over time.
Cancer, priority red
Cancer – Increased cancer risk.
Birth Defects, priority red
Birth Defects – 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 – Disruption of 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.
Brain/nervous System Harm, priority yellow
Brain/Nervous System Harm – Damage to the nervous system including the brain.
Gene Damage, priority red
Gene Damage – Increases in the rate of mutations, which are changes in genetic material in cells.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Interference with the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior.
Skin Sensitization, priority yellow
Skin Sensitization – Allergic skin reactions.

Inherent Hazards

Restricted List, priority blue
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.

How does this chemical impact the environment?

Persistent, priority red
Persistent – Does not break down readily from natural processes.
Acute Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority yellow
Acute Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Biological harm or possible death to fish or other aquatic organisms following a single exposure.

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