Chemicals
Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene oxide (EtO) is used extensively by hospitals and other industries as a sterilizing agent.
EtO is a colorless, odorless gas which is both flammable and highly reactive. Most importantly, you cannot smell EtO until it reaches a temperature of 51.3 degrees Fahrenheit (10.7 degrees Celsius), the gas smells like ether.
It can be found in fumigants and sterilants and presents an opportunity for healthcare worker exposure during operations such as EtO sterilization of surgical equipment.
Human and animal studies consistently show that EtO can be hazardous to human health.
Short-term (acute) exposures to EtO can cause the following health issues:
- respiratory irritation and lung injury
- shortness of breath
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- cyanosis (bluish or grayish color of the skin, nails, lips, or around the eyes)
Long-term (chronic) exposure over many years may cause the following:
- cancer
- reproductive effects
- genetic changes
- damage to the nervous system
- sensitization
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-5. Acute exposure to Ethylene Oxide can cause which of the following health issues?
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