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Hazards of Ethylene Oxide Scrubbers

Ethylene oxide is also known as oxirane, and is an organic - carbon-based - compound with applications in the chemical production industry. Ethylene oxide is used to produce such commonplace items as antifreeze and polyester, in addition to different plastics for other consumer goods. However, it is essential that ethylene oxide and scrubbers containing ethylene oxide be handled carefully and responsibly, given the considerable risk the compound when at room temperature ¬ can pose to human health. Safe handling of ethylene oxide at cold temperatures and in sealed containers is best to prevent health problems.

  1. Carcinogen

    • The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified ethylene oxide as a carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer in humans. In 2003, a study of 7,576 women employees of sterilization plants in the U.S. correlated breast cancer incidence with exposure to ethylene oxide. This study was followed up in 2004 with an examination of over 18,000 men and women workers who had been exposed to ethylene oxide. The study cites no higher mortality rates from cancer, but it does correlate risk of bone cancer and lymph node tumors as well as breast cancer with extended exposure to ethylene oxide.

    Mutagen

    • Excessive exposure to ethylene oxide over time has shown to have mutagenic effects. This means ethylene oxide can increase the occurrence of mutations in a person's DNA. These mutations can cause cancer as the mutated DNA can repeat errors in human cells that prove to be diseased.

    Toxin

    • Ethylene oxide is poisonous when inhaled by humans. Ethylene oxide can be poisonous to a human before its concentration in the air is strong enough to be detected by its odor. Before it becomes lethal, inhaling ethylene oxide can cause irritation, sensitization, and can produce a narcotic effect. Symptoms accompanying ethylene oxide poisoning include weak heartbeat, muscle twitching, flushing, headache, diminished hearing, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a sweet taste in the mouth.

    External Hazards

    • Ethylene oxide can penetrate most clothing and some footwear fairly easily. When it comes into contact with unprotected skin, ethylene oxide can cause blistering, dermatitis, fever, and leukocytosis, which is the technical name for an increase in white blood cells that accompanies an infection or disease.

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