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ETHYLENE OXIDEICSC: 0155 (July 2015)
1,2-Epoxyethane
Oxirane
Dimethylene oxide
CAS #: 75-21-8
UN #: 1040
EC Number: 200-849-9

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Extremely flammable.  Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion as a result of decomposition when heated.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.  Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Vomiting. Weakness.  Use closed system or ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Frostbite. Redness. Pain.  Protective gloves. Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.  Wear eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.   

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT wash away into sewer. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Remove gas with fine water spray. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

flam;flamecylinder;gasskull;toxiccancer;health haz
DANGER
Extremely flammable gas
Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
Toxic if inhaled
Causes serious eye irritation
Causes skin irritation
May cause respiratory irritation
May cause genetic defects
May cause cancer 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Cool. 
PACKAGING
 
ETHYLENE OXIDE ICSC: 0155
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. 

Chemical dangers
The substance may polymerize due to heating, under the influence of acids, bases, metal chlorides and metal oxides. This generates fire or explosion hazard. Decomposes above 560°C in the absence of air. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with many compounds. 

Formula: C2H4O
Molecular mass: 44.1
Boiling point: 11°C
Melting point: -111°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 146
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.5
Flash point: Flammable gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 429°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3-100
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.3  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The vapour is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Water solutions may cause skin blisters. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma. The substance may have effects on the nervous system. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. May cause heritable genetic damage to human germ cells. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 1 ppm as TWA; (skin); A2 (suspected human carcinogen); BEI issued.
EU-OEL: 1.8 mg/m3, 1 ppm as TWA; (skin).
MAK: skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 2; germ cell mutagen group: 2 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact.
The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F+, T; R: 45-46-12-23-36/37/38; S: 53-45; Note: E 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Ethylene oxide (EHC 55, 1985)
       Ethylene oxide (HSG 16, 1988)
       ETHYLENE OXIDE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Ethylene oxide (FAO Meeting Report PL/1965/10/2)
       Ethylene oxide (FAO/PL:1968/M/9/1)
       Ethylene oxide (WHO Pesticide Residues Series 1)
       Ethylene oxide (CICADS 54, 2003)
       Ethylene Oxide (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 60, 1994)