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Overview

Ethylene oxide is extremely flammable, colourless gas with a sweet odour.

Uses of ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of various products including antifreeze, detergents, fibres, and bottles. It is also one of the most used sterilisation methods in the healthcare industry. Some devices that are sterilised with ethylene oxide are, wound dressings, lateral flow devices and specialised devices that are used inside the body. 聽In the past, ethylene oxide was also used as an insecticide.

How ethylene oxide gets into the environment

The majority of ethylene oxide released into the environment is from industries that produce or use it. Natural sources of ethylene oxide in the environment are volcanoes, waterlogged soil, manure and sewage.

Exposure to ethylene oxide

Exposure for the general public may occur by breathing in air contaminated with ethylene oxide or from cigarette smoking.

Exposure to ethylene oxide is more likely to occur in an occupational setting. Safe levels are enforced to protect the health of workers. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.

How exposure to ethylene oxide can affect your health

The presence of ethylene oxide in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to ethylene oxide by breathing or drinking the substance, or by skin contact with it. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health affects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Any traces of ethylene oxide remaining in medical devices (lateral flow devices for example) after sterilisation are below limits that would be considered hazardous to health and comply with international standards.

Inhalation of ethylene oxide can cause irritation of the eyes and nose, coughing, burning sensation in the mouth and breathlessness. In severe cases lung damage can occur. Ethylene oxide can be absorbed into the body via inhalation or skin contact causing headache, stomach upset, fitting, coma and heart problems. Skin contact also causes redness, blistering, ulceration and allergic contact dermatitis. Eye exposure to ethylene oxide can cause irritation and inflammation.

Ingestion of liquefied ethylene oxide can cause stomach upset and pain.

Ethylene oxide and cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified ethylene oxide as being able to cause cancer in humans.

Short term exposure to ethylene oxide is likely to be associated with a very small increase in the risk of cancer.

Pregnancy and the unborn child

There is limited evidence to suggest that ethylene oxide may be toxic to the reproductive system and the unborn child.

Children

Children exposed to ethylene oxide would be expected to display similar effects to those seen in exposed adults.

What to do if you are exposed to ethylene oxide

Exposure to traces of ethylene oxide remaining in medical devices (lateral flow devices for example) after sterilisation would not be expected to cause any adverse health effects.

If you have any health concerns regarding exposure to ethylene oxide seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.

Additional sources of information

UKTIS.

The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.

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