Liquid Ethylene

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA EMERGENCY OVERVIEW DANGER! Extremely cold, flammable liquid and gas under pressure. Can form explosive mixtures with air. Can cause severe frostbite. May cause dizziness and drowsiness. Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing may be required by rescue workers. Under ambient conditions, this is a colorless cryogenic liquid with a faint, sweet, musty odor. OSHA REGULATORY STATUS: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Potential health effects

Effects of a Single (Acute) Overexposure Inhalation. Asphyxiant. Effects are due to lack of oxygen. Moderate concentrations may cause headache, drowsiness, dizziness, excitation, excess salivation, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Lack of oxygen can kill. Skin Contact. No harm expected from vapor. Cold gas or liquid may cause frostbite. Swallowing. An unlikely route of exposure. This product is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, but frostbite of the lips and mouth may result from contact with the liquid. Eye Contact. No harm expected from vapor. Cold gas or liquid may cause frostbite. Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Overexposure. No harm expected. Copyright © 1985, 1993, 1997, 2000-2001, 2003, 2007, Praxair Technology, Inc. Other Effects of Overexposure. Ethylene is an asphyxiant. Lack of oxygen can kill.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Overexposure. The toxicology and the physical and chemical properties of this product suggest that overexposure is unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions. CARCINOGENICITY: Ethylene is not listed by NTP or OSHA. The IARC lists ethylene as Group 3, unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans.

Environmental effects

None known. For further information, see section 12, Ecological Information.