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Emergency Contact: Chemtrec (800) 424-9300
Or Norco (208) 336-1643
1125 West Amity Road
Boise, ID 83705
(208) 336-1643
M A T E R I A L S A F E T Y D A T A S H E E T
Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen 0.0001% to 3.6%
Identification
Product Name: Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen 0.0001% to 3.6% Revision Date: 06/15/05
Chemical Name: Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen Last Review Date: 11/03/10
Chemical Family: Gas Mixture
CAS Number: N/A
Common Names/Synonyms: N/A
MSDS Identification Code/Number: 2530
TDG (Canada) Classification: 2.2
WHMIS Classification: A, D2A, D2B
Prepared By: Quality Dept.
Composition, Information on Ingredients, Exposure Limits
Exposure Limits
Ingredient % Volume PEL-OSHA
Ethylene Oxide
Formula: C
CAS: 75-21-8
RTECS#: KX2450000
Nitrogen
Formula: N
CAS: 7727-37-9
RTECS#: QW9700000
1
Refer to individual state or provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than those listed here.
2
As stated in 29 CFR 1910.1047 Ethylene Oxide
3
As stated in the ACGIH 2007 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
OSHA Regulatory Status: This material is classified as hazardous under OSHA regulations.
2H4
2
O
1
:
2
TLV-ACGIH3 LD50 or LC
50
Route/Species
0.0001 to 3.6% 1 PPM TWA
5 PPM 15 min.
Excursion
1 PPM TWA
2920 PPM
LC
50
Inhalation / Rat
(1 Hr.)
96.4 to 99.9999% None Established Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview:
Non-flammable colorless gas with slight sweet odor. Simple Asphyxiant – This product does not contain oxygen and may cause
asphyxia if released in a confined area. Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. This product contains ethylene oxide, a substance that
can cause cancer and has been associated with adverse fetal and reproductive effects in animals. Inhalation of ethylene oxide can
cause irritation and affect the lungs and nervous system. Ethylene oxide may undergo hazardous polymerization and explosive
decomposition. Contents under pressure. Use and store below 125
Route of Entry:
Skin Contact
Yes
Skin Absorption
No
O
F (52O C).
Eye Contact
Yes
Inhalation
Yes
Ingestion
No
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NorLab, Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen 0. 00 01% to 3.6% Material Safety Data Sheet 2530 Page 2 of 6
Hazards Identification Continued
Health Effects:
Exposure Limits
Yes
Teratogen
Yes
Synergistic Effects
None reported
Carcinogenicity: NTP: Yes IARC: Yes OSHA: Yes
Eye Effects:
May cause irritation and conjunctivitis. Contact with rapidly expanding gas near the point of release may cause frostbite.
Skin Effects:
Ethylene oxide may cause irritation at low concentrations or characteristic burns at higher concentrations. Redness, dermatitis,
blisters, edema, burns, and tissue damage may develop. May be absorbed through the skin. Contact with rapidly expanding gas near
the point of release may cause frostbite with redness, skin color change to gray or white, and blistering.
Ingestion Effects:
None known. Ingestion is unlikely as product is a gas at room temperature.
Inhalation Effects:
May irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Low concentrations may cause delayed nausea and vomiting. High concentrations can
have a narcotic and possibly neurotoxic effect that can be followed by coughing and vomiting. Irritation of the respiratory passages
may lead to pneumonitis and retention of body fluid and swelling in the lungs (edema). Emphysema and bronchitis may occur.
Overexposure to ethylene oxide may adversely affect the lungs, liver, kidneys, endocrine system, central nervous system, and blood
forming elements. Chronic intoxication has been reported in humans.
Ethylene oxide is a human carcinogen. Exposure may cause toxicity to the human reproductive system including spontaneous
abortions. Chromosomal aberrations have been detected in ethylene oxide expose workers.
The nitrogen balance gas in this product is a non-toxic simple asphyxiant. High concentrations may exclude an adequate supply of
oxygen to the lungs. Effects of oxygen deficiency resulting from simple asphyxiants may include: rapid breathing, diminished mental
alertness, impaired muscular coordination, faulty judgment, depression of all sensations, emotional instability, and fatigue. As
asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and loss of consciousness may result, eventually leading to convulsions, coma,
and death.
Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental animals.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure:
Irritant effects may aggravate pre-existing eye, skin, and upper respiratory disorders.
Potential Environmental Effects:
The LC
for ethylene oxide in the goldfish is 90 mg/L/24 H (modified ASTM D 1345).
50
NFPA Hazard Codes HMIS Hazard Codes Ratings System
Health: 1 Health: 1* 0: No Hazard
Flammability: 0 Flammability: 0 1: Slight Hazard
Instability: 0 Physical Hazard: 3 2: Moderate Hazard
3: Serious Hazard
*Carcinogen 4: Severe Hazard
Ratings were assigned in accordance with Compressed Gas Association (CGA) guidelines as published in CGA Pamphlet P-19-2009,
CGA Recommended Hazard Ratings for Compressed gases, 3
Irritant
Yes
Reproductive Hazard
Yes
rd
Edition.
Sensitization
No
Mutagen
Yes
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NorLab, Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen 0. 00 01% to 3.6% Material Safety Data Sheet 2530 Page 3 of 6
First Aid Measures
Eyes:
PERSONS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE SHOULD NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES. Flush contaminated eye(s) with copious
quantities of water. Part eyelids to assure complete flushing. Continue for a minimum of 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical
attention.
Skin:
Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected areas with large amounts of lukewarm water. Delayed burns or frostbite may result,
seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion:
Not anticipated, product is a gas at room temperature.
Inhalation:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE. RESCUE PERSONNEL
SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS. Victims should be assisted to an
uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick removal from the contaminated area is most important. Unconscious persons should
be moved to an uncontaminated area and, if breathing has stopped, administer artificial resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Get
immediate medical assistance. Further treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Nonflammable
Flash Point:
None
LEL % None UEL % None
Hazardous Combustion Products: None
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: None
Fire and Explosion Hazards:
Nonflammable. Cylinder may rupture violently from pressure when involved in a fire situation.
Extinguishing Media:
None required. Use as appropriate for surrounding materials
Fire Fighting Instructions:
Use water spray to cool fire exposed cylinders and areas. Fire fighters should wear a full-facepiece NIOSH/MSHA approved selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) operated in positive pressure mode and full turnout gear.
Method:
Not Applicable
Autoignition Temperature:
None
Accidental Release Measures
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Deny entry to unauthorized and unprotected personnel. Use appropriate protective
equipment. If it can be done without risk, stop the flow of gas or remove cylinder to outside. Ventilate enclosed areas to prevent build
up. If leak is in user’s equipment, be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or valve,
contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in section 1 or call your closest Norco/NorLab location.
Handling and Storage
Electrical Classification:
Non-hazardous.
Metal acting as catalysts for decomposition of ethylene oxide include copper, silver, mercury, magnesium, and their alloys. No
acetylide-forming metals should be in contact with ethylene oxide. Potassium, tin, zinc, aluminum, and iron oxides tend to accelerate
the polymerization of ETO. Earth-ground or bond all lines and equipment associated with the ETO system.
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NorLab, Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen 0. 00 01% to 3.6% Material Safety Data Sheet 2530 Page 4 of 6
Handling and Storage Continued
Unless specifically labeled this material is NOT to be used as a pesticide.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless the cylinder is secured with valve outlet piped to
use point. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder movement. Use a pressure regulator when
connecting cylinder to lower pressure (<3000 PSIG) piping or systems. Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge
rate of product from the cylinder. Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous backflow into the cylinder.
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well ventilated area of non-combustible construction away from heavy
traffic areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to exceed 125
O
F (52OC). Cylinders should
be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a
“first in – first out” inventory system to prevent full cylinders from being stored for excessive periods of time. Post “NO SMOKING
OR OPEN FLAMES” sign in the storage or use area.
For additional recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets P-1.
Never carry a compressed gas cylinder or a container of a gas in cryogenic liquid from in an enclosed space such as a car trunk, van or
station wagon. A leak can result in a fire, explosion, asphyxiation or a toxic exposure.
Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
Engineering Controls:
Use enclosures and local exhaust ventilation as necessary to limit exposure below the acceptable exposure limits. Exhaust gas should
be vented to a gas treatment system.
Eye/Face Protection:
Safety goggles or glasses as appropriate for the job.
Skin Protection:
Ethylene oxide softens most plastics and produces surface blisters on most rubber-based compounds. Use gloves and protective
clothing resistant to ethylene oxide. (Barricade ™, Responder ™, and Tychem 10000 ™ are effective for > 8 hour exposures).
Respiratory Protection:
For emergency release and conditions with exposures above the applicable exposure limits use a positive pressure NIOSH approved
air-supplying respirator system (SCBA or airline/escape bottle) using a full face mask and at a minimum Grade D air.
Other/General Protection:
Safety shoes, safety shower, eyewash “fountain”.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Parameter Value Units
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Above critical temp.
Vapor density (Air = 1) : 0.97
Evaporation point : Not Available
Boiling point : -320.4
: -195.8
Freezing point : -345.9
: -209.9
0
F
0
C
0
F
0
C
pH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H
O) : Very slightly soluble
2
Odor threshold : Not Applicable
Odor and appearance : Colorless gas, slight sweet odor
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NorLab, Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen 0. 00 01% to 3.6% Material Safety Data Sheet 2530 Page 5 of 6
Stability and Reactivity
Stability:
Unstable at elevated temperatures. Ethylene oxide should be stored at temperatures less than 125
O
F (52O C).
Incompatible Materials:
Vapors may react violently with caustic soda, hydrated lime (quicklime), magnesium chloride, ammonia, alcohols, and amines. Most
materials other than stainless steel or nickel will cause polymerization or decomposition. Ethylene oxide may explosively decompose
and reacts with acids, alkalis, salts, and combustible material.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Ethylene oxide vapors may explosively decompose.
Hazardous Polymerization:
May occur. Presence of catalysts such as pure iron, aluminum oxide, or anhydrous chlorides of iron, aluminum, or tin accelerates
polymerization.
Toxicological Information
Skin and Eye:
Skin contact with both concentrated and dilute solutions of ethylene oxide has caused mild to severe blisters, edema, dermatitis and
burns. Irritation and chemical burns have been reported from blood pressure cuffs, surgical gloves, hospital gowns, and other hospital
items sterilized with ethylene oxide. Skin exposure to ethylene oxide has caused significant nausea and vomiting in workers.
Inhalation:
Ethylene oxide can affect the nervous system. Lung irritation is common following inhalation and pulmonary edema may occur.
Overexposure to ethylene oxide may affect a variety of organs including the liver, kidneys, endocrine system, lungs, blood-forming
elements, and CNS.
Other:
Evidence of spontaneous abortions in humans has been reported as a result of exposure to ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide causes
chromosomal damage and reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Ethylene oxide is carcinogenic to animals and has been associated with increased incidence of leukemia in man in several
epidemiologic studies. Workers exposed to ethylene oxide exhibited a dose-related increase in the frequency of sister chromatid
exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes and micronuclei in bone marrow cells. Ethylene oxide is
classified as a confirmed human carcinogen by IARC and NTP. Ethylene oxide is classified as a “suspect” human carcinogen by
ACGIH (A2) and regulated by OSHA under 29 CFR Part 1910.1047.
Ecological Information
Product does not contain Class I or Class II ozone depleting substances. See Hazards Identification for ecotoxicity information.
Ethylene oxide is not expected to bioconcentrate due to its low octanol/water partition coefficient.
Disposal Considerations
Do not attempt to dispose of waste or unused quantities in returnable cylinders. Return in the shipping container, properly labeled,
with any valve outlet plugs or caps secure and valve protection cap in place, to Norco or NorLab for proper disposal. Non-refillable
containers should be vented in a well ventilated area then disposed of in accordance with local regulations, or returned to NorLab.
Transport Information
Parameter US DOT Canada TDG
Proper Shipping Name:
Hazard Class:
Identification Number:
Shipping Label:
Compressed gases, N.O.S.,
(Ethylene oxide in Nitrogen)
2.2 2.2
UN 1956 Un 1956
Nonflammable Gas Nonflammable Gas
Compressed gases, N.O. S.,
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NorLab, Ethylene Oxide in Nitrogen 0. 00 01% to 3.6% Material Safety Data Sheet 2530 Page 6 of 6
Regulatory Information
SARA Title III Notifications and Information:
Ethylene oxide is listed under the accident prevention provisions of section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) with a threshold
quantity (TQ) of 10,000 pounds.
Ethylene oxide is a CERCLA Hazardous Substance with a Reportable quantity (RQ) of 10 pounds and is listed as and Extremely
Hazardous Substance (EHS) with a Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) of 1000 pounds and an EHS RQ of 10 pounds.
SARA Title III – Hazard Classes:
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
SARA Title III – Section 313 Supplier Notification:
This product contains toxic chemicals subject to the reporting requirements of section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and of 40 CFR 372.
Regulated Ingredients:
Ingredient: Ethylene oxide CAS Number: 75-21-8 Percent by Volume: ≤ 3.6%
California Proposition 65:
This product contains ethylene oxide, an ingredient known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or reproductive
harm.
Other Information
ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
DOT Department of Transportation
IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer
NTP National Toxicology Program
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PEL Permissible Exposure Limit
SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
STEL Short Term Exposure Limit
TDG Transportation of Dangerous Goods
TLV Threshold Limit Value
Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of a compressed gas
cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a violation of transportation regulations.
Disclaimer of Expressed and Implied Warranties:
Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we extend no warranties and make no representations as
to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and assume no responsibility regarding the suitability of this
information for the user’s intended purposes or for the consequences of its use. Each individual should make a determination as to the
suitability of the information for their particular purpose(s).
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