Ethylene oxide

Hazard statements (CLP)

H220, H230, H280, H301, H314, H318, H331, H335, H336, H340, H350, H360Fd, H372

Code

Statements

H220

Extremely flammable gas

CLP CLASSIFICATION

Flammable gases, Category 1A H220: Extremely flammable gas. Chemically unstable gas, Category A H230: May react explosively even in the absence of air. Gases under pressure, Liquefied gas H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. Acute toxicity, Category 3, Oral H301: Toxic if swallowed. Skin corrosion, Category 1 H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Serious eye damage, Category 1 H318: Causes serious eye damage. Acute toxicity, Category 3, Inhalation H331: Toxic if inhaled. Specific target organ toxicity - single H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. exposure, Category 3, Central nervous system Specific target organ toxicity - single H335: May cause respiratory irritation. exposure, Category 3, Respiratory system Germ cell mutagenicity, Category 1B H340: May cause genetic defects. Carcinogenicity, Category 1B H350: May cause cancer. Reproductive toxicity, Category 1B H360Fd: May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. Specific target organ toxicity - repeated H372: Causes damage to organs through exposure, Category 1, Central nervous prolonged or repeated exposure. system

2.2 Label elements

REGULATION (EC) No 1272/2008)

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

H301 Toxic if swallowed. H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H318 Causes serious eye damage. H331 Toxic if inhaled. H335 May cause respiratory irritation. H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness. H340 May cause genetic defects. H350 May cause cancer. H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. H372 Causes damage to organs (Central nervous system) through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Environmental hazards

Not classified as environmental hazard according to CLP criteria.

Prevention

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. P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection.

Response

P377 Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. P381 In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. P301 + P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician. P308 + P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/ attention. P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Storage

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

Disposal

P501 Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.

2.3 Other hazards

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. Concentrations of around 50% are the most dangerous, however a 1% solution of EO in water and gaseous EO dissolved in sweat can also cause damage to the skin. The onset of effects may be delayed for several hours. Causes burns.