";s:4:"text";s:15105:"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday released a draft toxicity profile of ethylene oxide (EtO) that treats it as a more far-reaching health threat than the Environmental Protection Agency does. According to scientists, ethylene oxide affects the DNA in our cells, which can cause out-of-control growth. Ethylene oxide (EtO) is produced in large volumes and is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of several industrial chemicals, the most notable of which is ethylene glycol. One of the most adopted sterilization processes uses ethylene oxide (EO), a highly reactive, toxic and flammable gas capable of sterilizing at ambient temperature, preserving those medical devices which cannot be exposed to moisture or high temperatures — like the ones made of polymers, plastics or those containing electronic components. High or repeated exposure may damage the nervous system. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Lymphoma and leukemia are the cancers most frequently reported to be associated with occupational exposure to ethylene oxide. The general population may also be exposed through tobacco smoke and the use of products that have been sterilized with ethylene oxide, such as medical products, cosmetics, and beekeeping equipment. Because the gas is odorless, you might have no idea you are breathing it in. It is not usually recommended for use on seeds (Joubert and Du Toit, 1965), nursery stock or any growing plants. 75-21-8. Health Effects Notebook for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide. In the case of permitted digital reproduction, please credit the National Cancer Institute as the source and link to the original NCI product using the original product's title; e.g., “Ethylene Oxide was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.”, Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM), Coping with Your Feelings During Advanced Cancer, Emotional Support for Young People with Cancer, Young People Facing End-of-Life Care Decisions, Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Treatment, Tech Transfer & Small Business Partnerships, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Milestones in Cancer Research and Discovery, Step 1: Application Development & Submission, National Cancer Act 50th Anniversary Commemoration. Despite these precautions, workers and people who live near industrial facilities that produce or use ethylene oxide may be exposed to ethylene oxide through uncontrolled industrial emissions. Ethylene Oxide Panel member companies implement safety technology and practices at every step of the production process – from plant design, to personnel safety precautions, equipment maintenance and preparation, transportation, and loading and unloading operations. Ethylene Oxide may cause a skin allergy. It is also used as a fumigant in certain agricultural products and as a sterilant for medical equipment and supplies. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Provides links and references to additional resources related to exposures to ethylene oxide. This leads to cancer in animals and humans. The Dangers of Using Ethylene Oxide Gas. and cardboard and can kill bacteria and fungi. Provides references that aid in preventing and controlling exposures to ethylene oxide. In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilizing agent. While … It is also used as a fumigant in certain agricultural products and as a sterilant for medical equipment and supplies. Ethylene oxide for sterilisation In general, with higher levels of exposure to the chemical, more severe effects will occur. PxBH(M) TU38 TE22 TE25 TA4 TT9 TM6. Ethylene Oxide. [In addition it] is heavier than air and can travel long distances to a source of ignition and flash back to a leaking or open container.’(5) Moreover, it is classed as a genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic material due to its … 2TF. A model of the ethylene oxide molecule. Toxicity Data Ethylene oxide is generally classified as genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. However, there is a dark side to the use of ethylene oxide. Workplace Exposure Limits “Ethylene oxide is not the first best choice to sterilize medical devices.” May 1994. Exposure may occur through industrial emissions, tobacco smoke, and the use of products sterilized with ethylene oxide, such as certain medical products or cosmetics. As a gas, EtO is ‘an extremely flammable and reactive material [that] reacts violently with exposure to copper, copper alloys, and rust. Triangle Park, NC: National Institute of Environmental Health and Safety, 2016. What is ethylene oxide? ETO sterilization can take up to 12 hours due to its slow action upon microorganisms, and lengthy processing and aeration time. MP9. breast cancer. Learn about ethylene oxide, which can raise your risk of lymphoma and leukemia. Provides references that aid in recognizing and evaluating ethylene oxide hazards in the workplace. Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis. 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