1.Identification
1.1 GHS Product identifier
| Product name | oxirane |
|---|
1.2 Other means of identification
| Product number | - |
|---|---|
| Other names | ETO |
1.3 Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use
| Identified uses | For industry use only. Ethylene oxide is used mainly as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, antifreeze, solvents, medicinals, adhesives, and other products. Relatively small amounts of ethylene oxide are used as a fumigant, a sterilant for food (spices) and cosmetics, and in hospital sterilization of surgical equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam. |
|---|---|
| Uses advised against | no data available |
1.4 Supplier's details
1.5 Emergency phone number
| Emergency phone number | - |
|---|---|
| Service hours | Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +8 hours). |
2.Hazard identification
2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture
Gases under pressure: Compressed gas
Flammable gases, Category 1
Skin irritation, Category 2
Eye irritation, Category 2
Acute toxicity - Inhalation, Category 3
Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure, Category 3
Germ cell mutagenicity, Category 1B
Carcinogenicity, Category 1B
2.2 GHS label elements, including precautionary statements
| Pictogram(s) |     |
|---|---|
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statement(s) | H220 Extremely flammable gas H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H331 Toxic if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H340 May cause genetic defects H350 May cause cancer |
| Precautionary statement(s) | |
| Prevention | P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P264 Wash ... thoroughly after handling. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P201 Obtain special instructions before use. P202 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. |
| Response | P377 Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. P381 In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/... P321 Specific treatment (see ... on this label). P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P311 Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… P312 Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…if you feel unwell. P308+P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/ attention. |
| Storage | P410+P403 Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place. P403 Store in a well-ventilated place. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P405 Store locked up. |
| Disposal | P501 Dispose of contents/container to ... |
2.3 Other hazards which do not result in classification
none
3.Composition/information on ingredients
3.1 Substances
| Chemical name | Common names and synonyms | CAS number | EC number | Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| oxirane | oxirane | 75-21-8 | none | 100% |
4.First-aid measures
4.1 Description of necessary first-aid measures
General advice
Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
If inhaled
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
In case of skin contact
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 .
In case of eye contact
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
4.2 Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed
It can cause death. Lowest inhalation concentration causing toxic effects is 12500 ppm/10 seconds. It is a strong skin irritant. Neurological disorders and even death have been reported. (EPA, 1998)
4.3 Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary
Establish and maintain vital functions. ... Administer warm humidified oxygen and bronchodilators, if needed. Treat cardiac dysrhythmias and control convulsions with standard treatments. Monitor for several hours after exposure. Significant exposure usually causes effects that indicate hospital admission.
5.Fire-fighting measures
5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing media
GAS: Poisonous gases are produced in fire. Do not estinguish the fire unless the flow of gas can be stopped and any remaining gas is out of the line. Specially trained personnel may use fog lines to cool exposures and let the fire burn itself out. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined area may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If materials or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped. LIQUID: Poisonous gases are produced in fire. Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam extinguishers. Although soluble in water, solutions will continue to burn until diluted to approximately 22 volumes of water to one volume of ethylene oxide. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined area may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If materials or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped.
5.2 Specific hazards arising from the chemical
Severe explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Irritating vapors are generated when heated. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapor forms explosive mixtures with air over a wide range. Liquid is not detonable but the vapor may be readily initiated into explosive decomposition. Avoid metal fittings containing copper, silver, mercury or magnesium; ammonia, oxidizing agents; acids, organic bases; amines; certain salts; alcohols; mercaptans, ferric chloride; magnesium perchlorate; m-nitroaniline; trimethylamine, potassium, tin chlorides; alkanethiols; bromoethane; aluminum chloride; aluminum oxide; iron chlorides; and iron oxides. Avoid air, heat, acids and bases, metal or metal chloride catalysts. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid acids; covalent halides such as chlorides of aluminum, iron (III), tin (IV); basic materials like alkali hydrides, ammonia, amines, and potassium; catalytically active solids such as aluminum or iron oxides or rust, chlorides of boron, aluminum, tin, and iron; some carbonates; and metals such as copper and copper alloys (EPA, 1998)
5.3 Special protective actions for fire-fighters
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
6.Accidental release measures
6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. For personal protection see section 8.
6.2 Environmental precautions
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.
6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
GAS: Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Stop the flow of gas if it can be done safely. If source of leak us a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. Keep this chemical out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. LIQUID: For small spills flush area with flooding amounts of water. For large spills, dike spill for later disposal. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar non-organic materials and deposit in sealed containers. May also be covered with weak reducing agents; resulting sludge neutralized and flushed to sewer. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Ventilate area of spill or leak after clean-up is complete. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection or your regional office of the federal EPA for specific recommendations. If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped.
7.Handling and storage
7.1 Precautions for safe handling
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use.Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. For precautions see section 2.2.
7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Fireproof. Cool.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering a confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. It must be stored to avoid contact with even small amounts of acids (such as nitric or sulfuric acids); alkalis (such as sodium bydroxide or potassium hydroxide); cataylic anhydrous chlorides of iron, aluminum or tin; iron or aluminum oxide; or metallic potassium hydroxide); catalytic anhydrous chlorides of iron, aluminum or tin; iron or aluminum oxide; or metallic potassium hydroxide, since it may react by itself, liberating much heat and causing a possible explosion. Ethylene oxide should not contact oxidizers (such as perchlorates, perxoides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates) since an explosion could occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, or sunlight. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where ethlyene oxide is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of ethylene oxide should br grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of ethylene oxide . Wherever ethylene oxide is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
8.Exposure controls/personal protection
8.1 Control parameters
Occupational Exposure limit values
Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: <0.1 ppm (<0.18 mg/cu m).
Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 min/day ceiling value: 5 ppm (9 mg/cu m).
NIOSH considers ethylene oxide to be a potential occupational carcinogen.
Biological limit values
no data available
8.2 Appropriate engineering controls
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
8.3 Individual protection measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eye/face protection
Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection
Wear impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace. Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique(without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands. The selected protective gloves have to satisfy the specifications of EU Directive 89/686/EEC and the standard EN 374 derived from it.
Respiratory protection
Wear dust mask when handling large quantities.
Thermal hazards
no data available
9.Physical and chemical properties
| Physical state | COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS. |
|---|---|
| Colour | Colorless ... gas at ordinary room temp and pressure; liquid below 12°C |
| Odour | Sweet |
| Melting point/ freezing point | -111oC(lit.) |
| Boiling point or initial boiling point and boiling range | 10.7°C(lit.) |
| Flammability | Flammable GasExtremely flammable. |
| Lower and upper explosion limit / flammability limit | Lower flammable limit: 3.0% by volume; Upper flammable limit: 100% by volume |
| Flash point | -20°C |
| Auto-ignition temperature | 428.89°C (USCG, 1999) |
| Decomposition temperature | no data available |
| pH | no data available |
| Kinematic viscosity | 9.45X10-3 mPa.s (25°C, gas) and 0.254 mPa.s (10°C, liquid) |
| Solubility | Miscible |
| Partition coefficient n-octanol/water (log value) | log Kow = -0.30 |
| Vapour pressure | 1095 mm Hg at 20°C (EPA, 1998) |
| Density and/or relative density | 0.882g/mLat 25°C(lit.) |
| Relative vapour density | 1.49 (EPA, 1998) (Relative to Air) |
| Particle characteristics | no data available |
10.Stability and reactivity
10.1 Reactivity
no data available
10.2 Chemical stability
HYDROLYZES SLOWLY IN AQ SOLN
10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions
Flammable gas.The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.Colorless gas at room temperature (b.p. 11° C), confirmed carcinogen. Highly flammable, severe explosion hazard when exposed to flame. The autoignition temperature may be as low as 140° C in presence of rust. Rapid compression of the vapor with air causes explosion. Ethylene oxide vapor may be initiated into explosive decomposition in absence of air [Hess, L. G., et al., Ind. Eng. Chem., 1950, 42, p. 1251]. Metal fittings containing magnesium, copper or silver should be avoided, since traces of acetylene in ethylene oxide may produce metal acetylides capable of detonating the vapor [MCA SD-38, 1971]. Violent polymerization occurs on contact with strong bases (alkali hydroxides, ammonia) or acids, amines, metallic potassium, oxides (aluminum oxide, iron oxide, rust), covalent halides (aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, tin(IV) chloride) [Gupta, A. K., J. Soc. Chem. Ind., 1949, 68, p. 179]. Violent reaction with m-nitroaniline, magnesium perchlorate, mercaptans, thiols, triethylamine [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 316]. Ethylene oxide and SO2 can react violently in pyridine solution with pressurization if ethylene oxide is in excess (Nolan, 1983, Case History 51).
10.4 Conditions to avoid
no data available
10.5 Incompatible materials
Forms explosive mixture with air. Dangerously reactive; may rearrange chemically and/or polymerize violently with evolution of heat, when in contact with highly active catalytic surfaces such as anhydrous chlorides or iron, tin and aluminum, pure oxides of iron and aluminum, and alkali metal hydroxides. Even small amounts of strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers can cause a reaction. Avoid contact with copper. Protect container from physical damage, sun and heat. Attacks some plastics, rubber or coatings.
10.6 Hazardous decomposition products
Liquid ethylene oxide is not detonable, but the vapor may be readily initiated into explosive decomposition.
11.Toxicological information
Acute toxicity
- Oral: LD50 Rat (male) oral 330 mg/kg /From table/
- Inhalation: LC50 Rat inhalation 1462 ppm/4 hr (2.63 mg/L)
- Dermal: no data available
Skin corrosion/irritation
no data available
Serious eye damage/irritation
no data available
Respiratory or skin sensitization
no data available
Germ cell mutagenicity
no data available
Carcinogenicity
NTP: Known to be a human carcinogen
Reproductive toxicity
Some evidence exists indicating that inhalation exposure to ethylene oxide can cause an increased rate of miscarriages in female workers. These effects could be seen from acute, as well as chronic, exposure. Various adverse reproductive effects have been noted in inhalation exposure studies of animals including decreased number of implantation sites, decreased testicular weights and sperm concentration, and testicular degeneration.
STOT-single exposure
no data available
STOT-repeated exposure
no data available
Aspiration hazard
no data available
12.Ecological information
12.1 Toxicity
- Toxicity to fish: LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow); Conditions: freshwater, static, dechlorinated tap water, aerated; Concentration: 274000 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 150000-500000 ug/L) /formulated product
- Toxicity to daphnia and other aquatic invertebrates: LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 260000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulated product
- Toxicity to algae: no data available
- Toxicity to microorganisms: no data available
12.2 Persistence and degradability
AEROBIC: In a dilution bottle test, ethylene oxide 3-5% degradation was observed after 5 days and 52% degradation was observed after 20 days(1,2). In a river die-away test, half-life measurements for ethylene oxide in sterile and natural river water were not appreciably different, owing to the hydrolytic degradation of ethylene oxide being more rapid than biodegradation in aqueous media(4). Since ethylene oxide hydrolyzes to ethylene glycol which is readily biodegraded, the importance of biodegradation of ethylene oxide in aquatic environments is not able to be accurately assessed(2). Ethylene oxide biodegradation rate constants measured at a full-scale wastewater treatment plant were 0.38 and 0.59 ug/min-g biomass(3).
12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for ethylene oxide(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.30(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
12.4 Mobility in soil
Koc of ethylene oxide was reported to be 2.20(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that ethylene oxide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).
12.5 Other adverse effects
no data available
13.Disposal considerations
13.1 Disposal methods
Product
The material can be disposed of by removal to a licensed chemical destruction plant or by controlled incineration with flue gas scrubbing. Do not contaminate water, foodstuffs, feed or seed by storage or disposal. Do not discharge to sewer systems.
Contaminated packaging
Containers can be triply rinsed (or equivalent) and offered for recycling or reconditioning. Alternatively, the packaging can be punctured to make it unusable for other purposes and then be disposed of in a sanitary landfill. Controlled incineration with flue gas scrubbing is possible for combustible packaging materials.
14.Transport information
14.1 UN Number
| ADR/RID: UN1040 | IMDG: UN1040 | IATA: UN1040 |
14.2 UN Proper Shipping Name
| ADR/RID: ETHYLENE OXIDE, or ETHYLENE OXIDE WITH NITROGEN up to a total pressure of 1 MPa (10 bar) at 50 °C |
| IMDG: ETHYLENE OXIDE, or ETHYLENE OXIDE WITH NITROGEN up to a total pressure of 1 MPa (10 bar) at 50 °C |
| IATA: ETHYLENE OXIDE, or ETHYLENE OXIDE WITH NITROGEN up to a total pressure of 1 MPa (10 bar) at 50 °C |
14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
| ADR/RID: 2.3 | IMDG: 2.3 | IATA: 2.3 |
14.4 Packing group, if applicable
| ADR/RID: unknown | IMDG: unknown | IATA: unknown |
14.5 Environmental hazards
| ADR/RID: no | IMDG: no | IATA: no |
14.6 Special precautions for user
no data available
14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code
no data available
15.Regulatory information
15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product in question
| Chemical name | Common names and synonyms | CAS number | EC number |
|---|---|---|---|
| oxirane | oxirane | 75-21-8 | none |
| European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS) | Listed. | ||
| EC Inventory | Listed. | ||
| United States Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory | Listed. | ||
| China Catalog of Hazardous chemicals 2015 | Listed. | ||
| New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC) | Listed. | ||
| Philippines Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS) | Listed. | ||
| Vietnam National Chemical Inventory | Listed. | ||
| Chinese Chemical Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (China IECSC) | Listed. | ||
16.Other information
Information on revision
| Creation Date | Aug 16, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Revision Date | Aug 16, 2017 |
Abbreviations and acronyms
- CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service
- ADR: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
- RID: Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail
- IMDG: International Maritime Dangerous Goods
- IATA: International Air Transportation Association
- TWA: Time Weighted Average
- STEL: Short term exposure limit
- LC50: Lethal Concentration 50%
- LD50: Lethal Dose 50%
- EC50: Effective Concentration 50%
References
- IPCS - The International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC), website: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.home
- HSDB - Hazardous Substances Data Bank, website: https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/newtoxnet/hsdb.htm
- IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer, website: http://www.iarc.fr/
- eChemPortal - The Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances by OECD, website: http://www.echemportal.org/echemportal/index?pageID=0&request_locale=en
- CAMEO Chemicals, website: http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/search/simple
- ChemIDplus, website: http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/chemidlite.jsp
- ERG - Emergency Response Guidebook by U.S. Department of Transportation, website: http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/library/erg
- Germany GESTIS-database on hazard substance, website: http://www.dguv.de/ifa/gestis/gestis-stoffdatenbank/index-2.jsp
- ECHA - European Chemicals Agency, website: https://echa.europa.eu/
