What are the main health hazards associated with breathing in Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene oxide (EO) gas mainly causes irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract; it also causes central nervous system effects such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. With high exposures, drowsiness, headache, weakness, irregular gait and loss of consciousness may occur. A review of 41 case reports found the main symptom was vomiting, recurring periodically for hours, accompanied by nausea and headache. Another report described nausea and vomiting in 3 employees who became drenched with a 1% EO solution for 2 hours. Exposure of a nurse to 500 ppm (estimated) for 2 or 3 minutes caused nausea, stomach spasms, lightheadedness, temporary unconsciousness and seizures. Random twitching of the muscles, nausea and tiredness occurred over the next 24 hours. Full recovery occurred within 3 weeks. Exposure of 2 employees to greater than 700 ppm (estimated; the odour threshold) for up to 30 minutes caused headache and diarrhea, which disappeared in 70 hours. Irritation of the throat, mo
