Ethylene oxide

Hazard statements (CLP)

H220, H230, H280, H302, H314, H318, H331, H335, H340, H350, H360, H372

Code

Statements

H220

Extremely flammable gas

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Signal word

Danger

Physical hazards

H220 Extremely flammable gas H230 May react explosively even in the absence of air H280 Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated

Health hazards

H302 Harmful if swallowed H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H331 Toxic if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H340 May cause genetic defects H350 May cause cancer H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child H372 Causes damage to organs (Central nervous system) through prolonged or repeated exposure

Environmental hazards

Not classified as an environmental hazard under GHS criteria

Prevention

P201 Obtain special instructions before use. P202 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P260 Do not breathe dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray. P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection. Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

Response

P301 + P330 + P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/ shower. P304 + P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P308 + P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/ attention. P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor. P314 Get medical advice/ attention if you feel unwell. P320 Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P377 Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. P381 In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources.

Storage

P410 Protect from sunlight. P403 + P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P405 Store locked up.

Disposal

P501 Dispose of contents and container to appropriate waste site or reclaimer in accordance with local and national regula- tions.

Other hazards which do not result in classification

Even with proper grounding and bonding, this material can still accumulate an electrostatic charge. If sufficient charge is allowed to accumulate, electrostatic discharge and ignition of flammable air- vapour mixtures can occur. Dangerous polymerisation can occur on contact with highly catalytic surfaces. Highly reactive. This material is shipped under pressure. Exposure to rapidly expanding gases may cause frost burns to eyes and/or skin. Liquid solutions of ethylene oxide cause serious chemical burns of the skin and eye lesions. The severity of injury will vary depending on the concentration and duration of skin contact. Concen- trations of around 50% are the most dangerous, however a 1% solution of EO in water and gase- ous EO dissolved in sweat can layed for several hours. Causes burns. also cause damage to the skin. The onset of effects may be de-

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

1910.1200) Flammable gases : Category 1A Gases under pressure : Liquefied gas Acute toxicity (Oral) : Category 3 Skin corrosion : Category 1 Serious eye damage : Category 1 Acute toxicity (Inhalation) : Category 3 Specific target organ toxicity : Category 3 (Respiratory system) - single exposure Germ cell mutagenicity : Category 1B Specific target organ toxicity : Category 3 (Central nervous system) - single exposure Carcinogenicity : Category 1B Reproductive toxicity : Category 1B Specific target organ toxicity : Category 1 (Central nervous system) - repeated exposure