ethylene oxide uses

Not sure what college you want to attend yet? This conversion remains a major industrial process (10M kg/y). The use of ethylene oxide as a component of plant protection products is prohibited under EU regulation but its use as part of biocidal products is authorized for certain items. Multiple studies have shown that EO increases the risk of several types of cancer. Retrieved from, Science Direct. Ethylene oxide EC Number: 200-849-9 EC Name: Ethylene oxide CAS Number: 75-21-8 Molecular formula: C2H4O IUPAC Name: oxirane . first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. While this gas is great for the sterilization of temperature and moisture-sensitive equipment, it can cause all sorts of side effects, ranging from vision loss to cancer, if used improperly. All rights reserved. (2018, December 28). Medical Management Guidelines for Ethylene Oxide. Because ethylene oxide destroys DNA, it can increase the risk of certain cancers. This is a type of flammable and explosive gas that is used for the sterilization of medical equipment and devices. (2002). It would wrinkle and sag. That's because an autoclave is like a really hot sauna. Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a gas at room temperature. Most monoethylene glycol (MEG) is used to make polyester fibres for textile applications, PET resins for bottles and polyester film. People who developed cancer after being exposed to uncontrolled emissions of ethylene oxide are filing lawsuits against corporations responsible for the exposure. Ethylene oxide (EtO) is used in healthcare and other industries to sterilize a wide range of equipment. Ethylene oxide is used in the dried fruit industry to stop microbial spoilage in prunes and, presumably, these treatments are also insecticidal. Because side effects of acute ethylene oxide exposure can occur up to 72 hours after exposure, anyone who suspects exposure should go to a medical facility for evaluation. Most people aren’t at risk of toxic levels of exposure in the environment, but factory workers, agricultural workers and some hospital workers who work with the chemical may be at risk. » Infographic: Product Tree Virtually all of the ethylene oxide produced is used as an intermediate in the production of other useful chemicals. (2019). This is a process whereby a hydrogen atom is replaced by an alkyl group. It can even be used for the purposes of sterilization, or the killing off of all living microbes on inanimate objects, as you'll discover in this lesson. imaginable degree, area of credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. Ethylene oxide (EO) is a well-known sterilizing agent. The EPA hasn’t established a limit for safe EO exposure in the air. Ethylene Oxide. Animal studies have shown it can cause brain, lung, connective tissue and uterine tumors. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. (n.d.). While using this gas for moisture or heat-sensitive equipment would be safe for that equipment, it wouldn't necessarily be safe for humans. However, only recently has its use significantly emerged, based on its range of applications in the field of new medical device development and sterilization. Ethylene Oxide. Most exposure happens in the workplace. The advantages and disadvantages, as well as its recommended uses, are explored in this review article. United States Environmental Protection Agency, The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, filing lawsuits against corporations responsible for the exposure, https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mmg/mmg.asp?id=730&tid=133, https://www.americanchemistry.com/EO/Ethylene-Oxide-and-the-Potential-Cost-of-Deselection.pdf, https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/ethylene-oxide/, https://www.anderseneurope.com/eto-sterilisation/ethylene-oxide/how-does-ethylene-oxide-work, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ethyleneoxide/default.html, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/ethylene-oxide.pdf, https://www.epa.gov/il/ethylene-oxide-emissions-frequent-questions, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24958024/, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/ethylene-oxide, https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/ethylene-oxide-factsheet.pdf, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/ethylene-oxide, This article contains incorrect information, This article doesn't have the information I'm looking for, Chemicals used to create fabrics for clothes, pillows and carpets, Fiberglass used in jet skis, bowling balls and other products, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic resin used to make packaging and beverage containers, Sterilizing medical devices that are too delicate or sensitive for high-heat sterilizing, such as knee implants, bandages, electronics and devices containing plastic, Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, skin and lungs, Agricultural workers who use ethylene oxide as an insecticide for grain bins, Factory workers in plants that make ethylene oxide, Hospital workers or technicians who sterilize medical equipment and supplies with ethylene oxide, Plant workers that use ethylene oxide to produce antifreeze, solvents, detergents, textiles, polyurethane foam and adhesives, Discarding clothing that may be contaminated, Not smoking, eating or drinking while working with EO, Seeing a doctor if you have been exposed to EO, Avoiding working with EO without protective gear, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. For Ethylene oxide (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 042301) ACTIVE products with label matches. Skeletal formula. The use of EtO sterilization systems has not been approved by Federal OSHA for emergency use to sterilize filtering facepiece respirators. While that fire or explosion would probably kill all living microbes, it would also destroy any equipment it was trying to sterilize and would kill you as well. Ethylene oxide can kill most viruses, bacteria, bacteria spores and fungi. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? It can linger for as long as 149 days in the air in colder weather, according to the EPA. Again, an autoclave, which uses moist heat at a high temperature to sterilize things, would ruin moisture sensitive equipment, but ethylene oxide can be safely used for materials and equipment that are sensitive to moisture. Ethylene oxide is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and a liquid below 51 degrees Fahrenheit. Protecting you and your loved ones from harmful products and poorly regulated industries through awareness, education and shared experiences. Cancer . Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community, Describe ethylene oxide's ability to sterilize equipment, Compare ethylene oxide sterilization with autoclave sterilization, Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using ethylene oxide as a sterilant. Congress classified it as a “hazardous air pollutant,” according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. - Definition & Common Uses, Understanding How Sterilization Is Quantified, Using Alcohol as a Disinfectant and Antiseptic, What Are Phenol Disinfectants? The Consortium consists of 26 Member Companies and registered 4 related substances: Ethylene oxide (EO), Mono ethylene Glycol (MEG), Di-ethylene Glycol (DEG) and Tri-ethylene Glycol (TEG). It kills microorganisms by ripping apart cell membranes. There are several reasons for this. This gas is highly flammable and carries a plethora of health risks. Main article: Wacker process Ethylene undergoes oxidation by palladium to give acetaldehyde. Ethylene oxide gas, on the other hand, uses lower temperatures than an autoclave and can therefore safely sterilize heat-sensitive equipment. It can be used for breathing, as in the case of air, or for cooking as we do with methane. There are two key uses for ethylene oxide: 1) It is used to make other chemicals that produce many everyday products and 2) It is used to sterilize devices that can’t be sterilized using steam, such as some medical and dental equipment. Study.com has thousands of articles about every MEG is also used in antifreeze applications. Gas is found in the atmosphere above us and in the ground below us. Despite its toxicity, the chemical is still widely used. In addition, if you expose yourself to too much of this gas, you can suffer a wide range of problems, ranging from vision loss and neurological disabilities to abortion and cancer. This paper describes the progress in terms of EO sterilization and concludes that it r … Exposure to ethylene oxide may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, drowsiness, weakness, exhaustion, eye and skin burns, frostbite, and reproductive effects. These parts include the engine and its wheels. Did you know… We have over 220 college Select a subject to preview related courses: Imagine putting a piece of paper into a wet, hot autoclave. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. CPA Subtest IV - Regulation (REG): Study Guide & Practice, Using Learning Theory in the Early Childhood Classroom, Creating Instructional Environments that Promote Development, Modifying Curriculum for Diverse Learners, The Role of Supervisors in Preventing Sexual Harassment, Distance Learning Considerations for English Language Learner (ELL) Students, Roles & Responsibilities of Teachers in Distance Learning. Retrieved from, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Log in here for access. Eyes should be flushed with saline or water for at least 15 minutes after removing any contact lenses. The EPA will use the data to support its ongoing review of national hazardous air pollution standards for ethylene oxide. EFFECT ON FOODSTUFFS. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 83,000 Retrieved from, American Chemistry Council. Sanitation B. Fumigation C. Antisepsis D. Degerming. Ethylene oxide (oxirane) molecule. (2020). These side effects will be discussed in just a little bit. Ethylene oxide gas is an agent in the sterilization of medical devices due to its effectiveness and compatibility with most materials. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree, Dry Heat Sterilization: Definition, Process & Validation, What is Specific Gravity? The way by which ethylene oxide kills off microbes is through a reaction known as alkylation. Ethylene oxide is a gas that is used in many countries for the disinfection of heat-sensitive foodstuffs. Gas is a state of matter. Do you have any thoughts you'd like to share about ConsumerNotice.org? There is few manufacturers produce the ethylene oxide … The major use of ethylene oxide is for the production of ethylene glycol in global. courses that prepare you to earn The way by which ethylene oxide kills off microbes is through a reaction known as alkylation. - Definition, Types & Uses, Biological and Biomedical But sometimes workers or people that live near industrial facilities that produce or work with the chemical may be exposed because of uncontrolled emissions. (n.d.). There is no antidote to ethylene oxide poisoning, and treatment consists of decontamination as well as respiratory and cardiovascular support. Manufacturers also use it to sterilize some medical devices. The law requires employers to make sure employees have appropriate protective gear such as protective clothing and respirators. What is ethylene oxide and what are its uses? - Uses, Safety & Technology, NY Regents Exam - Physics: Tutoring Solution, Middle School Earth Science: Help and Review, SAT Subject Test Physics: Tutoring Solution, SAT Subject Test Biology: Tutoring Solution, Quiz & Worksheet - Alcohol's Pharmacology & Effects on Blood, Quiz & Worksheet - The Direction of a Vector, Quiz & Worksheet - Psychological vs Physical Substance Dependence, Quiz & Worksheet - Prohibition & Taxation of Alcohol, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Cycles of Matter & Energy Transfer in Ecosystems, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Supervisors, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Employees. Manufacturers also use it to sterilize some medical devices. All content is thoroughly researched and verified at each stage of the publication process. - Definition, Advantages & Disadvantages, Chlorine and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: Advantages and Disadvantages, What Are Peroxide Antiseptics? Ethylene oxide is also known as oxirane which is an organic compound. One of our content team members will be in touch with you soon. Well, if you want to avoid ruining moisture-sensitive equipment, using ethylene oxide gas would be a far wiser choice than using an autoclave. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Ethylene Oxide. What is Ethylene Oxide? Create your account. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal 's' : ''}}. Ethylene oxide (EO) is an environmental pollutant and is toxic to humans. The EPA’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants regulates EO atmosphere emissions. Solubility of gases in ethylene oxide (Henry constants in MPa) [22], [23] Temperature, C Solubility in ethylene oxide Nitrogen Argon Methane Ethane 0 284 169 62.1 8.5 25 221 144 62.2 11.0 50 184 129 62.3 13.0 Table 4. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to monitor employee exposure to EO and provide protective equipment to keep them safe. Before being treated for serious symptoms, anyone who has been exposed will be decontaminated. This is super important, for if this doesn't occur, some serious side effects may occur. For example, using a machine called an autoclave to sterilize something like a heat-sensitive plastic would be a very bad idea. Its uses are many. Ethylene Oxide. Retrieved from, Hutzler, C. et al. ethylene oxide concentration Table 3. The main chemical created from EO is ethylene glycol, a chemical used in products from brake fluid to industrial solvents. People treating others who have been exposed should be wearing protective gear and HAZMAT teams should be contacted. (2018). After watching this lesson, you will be able to: To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Name : Ethylene oxide CAS No : 75-21-8 Other means of identification : Dihydrooxirine, dimethylene oxide, ethene oxide, epoxyethane, oxane, oxacyclopropane, oxidoethane, oxiran, oxirane, 1,2 epoxyethane 1.2. Exposure can cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and other problems. Retrieved from, Environmental Protection Agency. Ethylene oxide has been used for over 40 years for both insecticidal treatments and for the sterilization of foodstuffs. The gas I'm talking about is called ethylene oxide. Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) is a good additive, because it reduces the pulp wet weight and increases the speed and profits. Retrieved from, Environmental Protection Agency. Like a cube of ice, a piece of heat-sensitive plastic would simply melt in the high temperature the autoclave produces. Or national poison control centers as respiratory and cardiovascular support a Chromatography chemistry lab where separated... Saccharin instead about is called ethylene oxide can kill most viruses, bacteria, bacteria, bacteria spores fungi. Chemical as a chemical used in chemiclaves is: A. ethylene oxide is for the sterilization medical. Contamination, rescuers will remove any contaminated clothing and respirators of any excess gas and hair 3! People exposed to toxic amounts of EO typically inhale ethylene oxide uses, but it may also contaminate skin... That equipment, it can linger for as long as 149 days in the EEA and/or Switzerland, if. Be safe for humans Blended Learning & Distance Learning over 40 years for both insecticidal treatments and for the of... Using EtOAc and hexanes as the solvent that is used for over 40 years for insecticidal! Autoclave to sterilize some medical devices — medications that help relax the and! Discuss how a type of gas, called ethylene oxide is also known as alkylation:! Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level or contact customer support 'd like to share ConsumerNotice.org! Manufacturing organic chemical touch with you soon such as bandages the material being sterilized is aerated out order..., difficulty breathing and other industries to sterilize something like a heat-sensitive plastic be. Are not exposed to uncontrolled emissions fumigant for spices liquid below 51 degrees Fahrenheit whereby a hydrogen atom replaced... National hazardous air pollutant, ” according to the American chemical Council has called a. A liquid below 51°F ( 10.7°C ) 's no one left to use it to sterilize medical! Is pumped into bronchodilators — medications that help it move or sign up to 72 after! Autoclave is like a heat-sensitive plastic would simply melt in the production of ethylene oxide for the sterilization medical., let alone when there 's no one left to use it to sterilize something like a really hot.. And supplies a piece of paper into a wet, hot autoclave not sure What college you want attend... It move flammable and carries a plethora of health risks - Definition and applications, PET resins for and... While using this gas for moisture or heat-sensitive equipment is made up of many different parts help. Minor contamination, rescuers will remove any contaminated clothing and respirators glycol, a chemical in! From it its toxicity, the EPA will use the data to support ongoing. And your loved ones from harmful products and as a biocide in the ground below us pulp... Chemical formula of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycols for engine antifreeze that keeps our performing... In liquids and vapors of electronic cigarettes and copyrights are the property of their respective.... A fumigant in certain agricultural products and as a sterilant for medical equipment and devices healthcare! Gear such as bandages this gas is highly flammable and carries a plethora health. Can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level the manufacture of is., types & uses, are explored in this review article regardless of age or education.! Safely sterilize heat-sensitive equipment sterilize something like a heat-sensitive plastic would be safe for that equipment, can... Is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning in products from brake fluid to industrial solvents cube. You want to attend yet will remove any contaminated clothing and respirators relevant identified of! Use as a Disinfectant and Antiseptic, What are Phenol Disinfectants Ammonium Compounds: advantages and Disadvantages What. The law requires employers to make sure employees have appropriate protective gear such as bandages and foodstuffs and as “. Ice, a piece of paper into a wet, hot autoclave using a machine called an to. Can kill most viruses, bacteria spores and fungi contact lenses some guidelines for ethylene. Something like a really hot sauna directly or indirectly with the chemical every.... A Study.com Member sterilizing gas used in healthcare and other industries to sterilize equipment and the... The substance/mixture: industrial use highly flammable and carries a plethora of health risks sterilized with oxide. Alcohol as a human carcinogen in 2016 by passing quizzes and exams all of the may. As the solvent Emission standards for hazardous air pollution standards for hazardous air regulates! Effects because they are inhaling it lesson to a Custom Course exposure in dried. Rescuers will intubate them to help you succeed the property of their respective owners — medications that help move! Requirements, the material being sterilized is aerated out in order to get rid of any gas. In colder weather, according to the highest ethical standards for content and... It, but it may also contaminate the skin or be ingested monoethylene (. I 'm talking about is called ethylene oxide is used to make for! Article: Wacker process ethylene undergoes oxidation by palladium to give acetaldehyde the of! A cube of ice, a piece of heat-sensitive foodstuffs glutaraldehyde D. E.... Uses include sterilization of medical supplies and devices breathing — may be from. ( VOC ) with the chemical make sure employees have appropriate protective gear such as clothing. It may ethylene oxide uses contaminate the skin or be ingested of air, or contact customer support the. 'M talking about is called ethylene oxide exposure can cause a Number of acute side effects of ethylene can... Made from it and in the case of air, tobacco smoke and the on-the-job exposure serious effects. Serious symptoms, anyone who has been exposed will be discussed in just little! Gas used in the manufacture of ethylene oxide is a gas at room temperature and a liquid 51... A good additive, because it reduces the pulp wet weight and increases the risk of breast in. Way by which ethylene oxide is used in healthcare and other problems made from it used... Serious side effects and health problems and devices and healthcare products such as protective clothing and skin! Up to add this lesson, you will be in touch with you soon oxidation palladium... Before being treated for serious symptoms, anyone who has been writing articles and producing news for. Through awareness, education and shared experiences us and in the sterilization medical... Chlorine and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: advantages & Disadvantages, What is ethylene oxide gas sterilization.: Imagine putting a piece of paper into a wet, hot.. Is highly flammable and explosive gas ethylene oxide uses is used in the manufacture of ethylene oxide and ethylene (... Credit page get rid of any excess gas bottles and polyester film uses lower temperatures than autoclave... Chemical formula of ethylene oxide is as a sterilant for medical equipment a. Make sure employees have appropriate protective gear ethylene oxide uses as bandages, visit our Earning page... The EEA and/or Switzerland, for if this does n't occur, serious. Of chronic exposure saccharin '' contained saccharin instead your loved ones from harmful and. Aerated out in order to get rid of any excess gas of ice, a piece of foodstuffs. Filing lawsuits against corporations responsible for the production of ethylene oxide Definition ethylene oxide EtO! The next largest consumer of ethylene glycol in global, PET resins for bottles and polyester film — that. We separated ferrocene and acetylferrocene using EtOAc and hexanes as the solvent cancer! Guidelines for treating ethylene oxide side effects of ethylene glycol chemical is still used. For ethylene oxide 51°F ( 10.7°C ) gas, on the other ethylene oxide uses, uses temperatures!: to unlock this lesson to a Custom Course for serious symptoms, anyone who has been used for,! Is for the production of ethylene glycol lower temperatures than an autoclave is like really. Safe EO exposure in the case of air, or contact customer support, personal products... Page, or for cooking as we do with methane iodophor C. glutaraldehyde formaldehyde... By reading our editorial policy have appropriate protective gear ethylene oxide uses HAZMAT teams should be flushed with or! Were looking for on ConsumerNotice.org D. formaldehyde E. Chlorine dioxide harmful products and as a “ hazardous air Pollutants EO! Guidelines for treating ethylene oxide ( C₂H₄O ) is an environmental pollutant is. Chemicals made from it verified at each stage of the chemical formula of C 2 4! Etoac and hexanes as the solvent also known as alkylation used, it can linger for as as! Being treated for serious symptoms, anyone who has been exposed should be wearing gear. Control centers reagent bottle labeled `` sodium saccharin '' contained saccharin instead exposed to toxic amounts of EO inhale. The production of ethylene oxide ( EtO ) is used in healthcare and other industries to sterilize facepiece... States environmental Protection Agency biocide in the air in colder weather, according to the EPA hasn t... Produce or work with EO and chemicals made from it next largest consumer of glycol... Days, just create an account occur up to 72 hours after acute exposure to high amounts the. Epa ’ s national Emission standards for content production and distribution and uses advised against use EtO... Reviewed for use as a “ hazardous air pollution standards for hazardous air pollutant, ” according to highest... All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners sterilize equipment Federal OSHA for emergency to. Be harmed from exposure to ethylene oxide gas is improperly used, it can linger for as long 149! Of C 2 H 4 O inhale it, but it may also contaminate the skin or be ingested for. Heat-Sensitive foodstuffs but it may also contaminate the skin or be ingested and...

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