Ethylene oxide - Eto (C2H4O)
Ethylene oxide - Eto (C2H4O)
This page includes the main information on Ethylene oxide or " ETO (C2H4O) as its physical characteristics, its health effects, the means to detect it (C2H4O gas detector) as well as adapted respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with ax type anti-gas filter).
Main characteristics of ethylene oxide (EtO)
Theethylene oxide (C2H4O) also known as "ETO" initials was massively used during the First World War in the manufacture of refrigerant fluids and gas combat. Today it is essentially synthesized and used as a raw material in the chemical industry (ethylene glycol as antifreeze and polyester resin) or for its disinfectant properties in the pharmaceutical industry, the agri-food industry and the textile industry.
Effects of ethylene oxide (ETO) on health
Ethylene oxide (ETO) is a colorless gas, sweetish smell Recalling the smell of apples. It's a gas toxic By inhalation (R23) or skin contact, eyes and respiratory tract (R36 / 37/38). The IARC * to discern a link between exposure to ETO and certain types of cancers (R45) or Hereditary genetic alterations (R46) in case of repeated exposures. Flammable (R12), it can form explosive mixtures with or without contact with air (R6).
* IARC: International Center for Research Against Cancer (depends on WHO World Health Organization)
C2H4O gas detector (ethylene oxide - Eto)
Despite his smell of apple, only one Eto Gas Detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Although explosive (3% volume), an explosive measurement is useless with this extremely toxic gas, we will move towards a Detection of ethylene or fixed ethylene oxide.
For calibration and gas tests of your fixed gas or laptop detectors, ethylene oxide standard gas cylinder are available.
Respiratory protection Ethylene oxide (C2H4O)
Ethylene oxide (ETO) is an irritating gas, we will focus on a complete mask for short-time interventions or to an assisted ventilation device (more comfortable) with Anti-gas filters type AX. If the concentrations exceed 60 times the VLEP, an insulating respirator will be imperative.