Ethylene Oxide (C₂H₄O)
CAS Number:
75-21-8
Ethylene oxide (EtO, C₂H₄O) is a colorless, flammable gas used primarily as a chemical intermediate in the production of antifreeze, detergents, and plastics, and as a sterilant for medical devices and surgical equipment. Ethylene oxide is a confirmed human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) associated with lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. It is also acutely toxic, causing respiratory irritation, headache, nausea, and neurological effects at elevated concentrations. Workers in healthcare sterilization facilities, chemical manufacturing, and fumigation operations face the greatest exposure risk. OSHA has a specific standard (29 CFR 1910.1047) governing ethylene oxide exposure.
Ethylene oxide (EtO) monitoring is important in sterilization and medical device environments where EtO is used or may leak during processing or aeration. Rent EtO detection equipment from RAECO Rents to support personal monitoring, area checks, and clearance testing in healthcare and industrial settings. All gas instruments are bump tested before shipment and supported with routine span calibration so crews can trust the readings in the field.
