Ethylene oxide is an organic compound with the chemical formula of C2H4O, which is an artificial combustible gas. When its concentration is very high, it will emit some sweet taste. Ethylene oxide is easily soluble in water, and a small amount of ethylene oxide will be produced when burning tobacco. A small amount of ethylene oxide can be found in nature.

Ethylene oxide is mainly used to make ethylene glycol, a chemical used to make antifreeze and polyester. It can also be used in hospitals and disinfection facilities to disinfect medical equipment and supplies; It is also used for food disinfection and pest control in certain stored agricultural products (such as spices and herbs).

How ethylene oxide affects health

Short term exposure of workers to high concentrations of ethylene oxide in the air (usually tens of thousands of times that of ordinary people) will stimulate the lungs. Workers exposed to high concentrations of ethylene oxide for short and long periods of time may suffer from headache, memory loss, numbness, nausea and vomiting.

Studies have found that pregnant women exposed to high concentrations of ethylene oxide in the workplace will cause some women to miscarry. Another study found no such effect. More research is needed to understand the risks of exposure during pregnancy.

Some animals inhale ethylene oxide with very high concentration in the environment (10000 times higher than ordinary outdoor air) for a long time (months to years), which will stimulate the nose, mouth and lungs; There are also neurological and developmental effects, as well as male reproductive problems. Some animals that inhaled ethylene oxide for several months also developed kidney disease and anemia (decreased red blood cell number).

How likely is ethylene oxide to cause cancer

The workers with the highest exposure, with an average exposure time of more than 10 years, have a higher risk of suffering from certain types of cancer, such as some blood cancer and breast cancer. Similar cancers have also been found in animal research. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen. The US Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that inhalation of ethylene oxide has carcinogenic effects on humans.

How to reduce the risk of exposure to ethylene oxide

Workers shall wear protective glasses, clothes and gloves when using or manufacturing ethylene oxide, and wear respiratory protective equipment when necessary.