Ethylene oxide - ETO (C2H4O)
Ethylene oxide - ETO (C2H4O)
This page brings together the main information on ethylene oxide or " ETO " (C2H4O) such as its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it ( C2H4O gas detector ) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with AX type anti-gas filter).
Main characteristics of ethylene oxide (ETO)
Ethylene oxide (C2H4O), also known as "ETO", was used extensively during the First World War in the manufacture of refrigerants and combat gases. Today it is mainly synthesized and used as a raw material in the chemical industry (ethylene glycol as antifreeze and polyester resin) or for its disinfectant properties in the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry and the textile industry.
Health Effects of Ethylene Oxide (ETO)
Ethylene oxide (ETO) is a colorless gas with a sweetish odor reminiscent of apples. It is toxic by inhalation (R23) or contact with the skin, eyes and respiratory tract (R36/37/38). The IARC* has identified a link between exposure to ETO and certain types of cancer (R45) or hereditary genetic damage (R46) in the event of repeated exposure. Flammable (R12), it can form explosive mixtures with or without contact with air (R6).
*IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the WHO World Health Organization)
C2H4O (Ethylene Oxide - ETO) gas detector
Despite its apple smell, only an ETO gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Although explosive (3% volume), an explosiveness measurement is useless with this extremely toxic gas, so we will move towards a portable or fixed ethylene oxide detection .
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, ethylene oxide standard gas cylinders are available.
Respiratory protection ethylene oxide (C2H4O)
Ethylene oxide (ETO) is an eye-irritating gas, so a full-face mask is recommended for short-term interventions or a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with AX-type gas filters . If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, a self-contained breathing apparatus will be essential.