Ethylene Oxide
CAS ID #: 75-21-8
Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Neurological (Nervous System), Ocular (Eyes), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys)
Cancer Classification: EPA: Probable human carcinogen. IARC: Probably carcinogenic to humans. NTP: Known to be a human carcinogen
Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.
Chemical Classification: NoneSummary: Ethylene oxide is a flammable gas with a somewhat sweet odor. It dissolves easily in water. Ethylene oxide is a man-made chemical that is used primarily to make ethylene glycol (a chemical used to make antifreeze and polyester). A small amount (less than 1%) is used to control insects in some stored agricultural products and a very small amount is used in hospitals to sterilize medical equipment and supplies.
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- Page last reviewed: March 3, 2011
- Page last updated: March 3, 2011
- Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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