Ethylene oxide (EtO), a toxic gas used in industrial processes and medical sterilization, can be linked to an increased risk of different types of cancer. It is known to be carcinogenic in animals, and there is sufficient evidence to suggest it can also cause cancer in humans.
Ethylene oxide has been linked to cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as breast cancer, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It has also been associated with a higher risk of breast, prostate and kidney cancers, as well as testicular, stomach and skin cancer.
In some studies, an increased risk of bladder, ovarian, and meningioma cancer have also been found.
Furthermore, occupational exposure to EtO has been linked to brain cancer and brain cell damage. People exposed to the gas have also been found to have an increased risk of cancer in their nose, throat and lungs.
In conclusion, ethylene oxide has been strongly linked to many types of cancer including leukemia, breast cancer, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, prostate and kidney cancer, testicular, stomach, skin and bladder cancer, ovarian, meningioma, brain cancer and brain cell damage, as well as nose, throat, and lung cancer.
What products contain ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweetish odor. It is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of a range of products, including antifreeze, solvents, plasticizers, detergents, textiles, thickeners, pesticides, and surfactants.
Some of the consumer products that commonly contain ethylene oxide or ethylene oxide derivatives include antifreeze, detergents, adhesives, laxatives, lotions, shampoos, shaving creams, skin creams, shaving foams, aerosols, insecticides, paint strippers, disinfectants, fabrics, and mold inhibitors.
In industrial settings, ethylene oxide is used to sterilize medical and cosmetic products as well as food, spices, and pharmaceuticals.
Many products used in consumer applications including adhesives and cleaners, cosmetics, plastic bags and wraps, soaps, detergents, fabric softeners and water treatments contain components made with ethylene oxide.
In addition, ethylene oxide is commonly used to make the polyester fibers found in clothing, bedding, and other fabrics.
What is ethylene oxide used in food?
Ethylene oxide (also known as EO or EtO) is a chemical compound that can be used as a food and beverage additive. It is a colorless, extremely flammable gas, and it has been used to fumigate items and kill bacteria and microbes.
The FDA has approved the use of ethylene oxide as a food additive in a limited number of applications.
EO is commonly used in the packaging process of food and beverages as a surface sanitizer. This helps reduce the potential risk of cross-contamination as food items are manufactured and shipped. It is mostly used to keep dried fruits, nuts and spices fresh by preserving their color and taste without changing their nutritional value.
It can also be used in sealed packaging systems to prevent spoilage caused by oxygen and moisture during storage and transport.
EO can also be used as an antimicrobial agent, as it has been found to be effective at killing or reducing the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. This can help to extend the shelf life of food and reduce the risk of contamination.
However, the use of EO has also been linked to adverse health effects, including inflammation, nerve damage and cancer. For this reason, the FDA has limited the amount that can be used in food and beverage products, requiring regular safety testing.
How do you get ethylene oxide out of your body?
The body naturally eliminates ethylene oxide, however there are some steps that may help speed the process and help reduce any exposure. First, you can increase your water and fiber intake, as these help the body to flush out certain toxins.
Second, consider adding natural supplements to your diet that help to detoxify the body, such as activated charcoal and probiotics. Third, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, that are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help your body remove toxins more effectively.
Additionally, exercising regularly can help to increase your body’s natural detoxification process, as well as your overall wellbeing. Lastly, avoiding the use of products that contain ethylene oxide is the most important step to reduce any further exposure.
What is the most common use of ethylene?
The most common use of ethylene is as a precursor in the chemical industry. Ethylene is used to create polyethylene, the most widely produced plastic in the world. It is also used to create polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polycarbonate.
The production of ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and polyethylene terephthalate resins is also a common use of ethylene. In addition, it is used as a synthesizing agent in the production of ethyleneamines and ethanolamines.
Ethylene is also used to ripen certain fruits, such as tomatoes and bananas, as well as to soften or condition certain plant or tree crops, such as pineapples and apples. In the pharmaceutical industry, it has become the preferred preservative for many products.
Finally, ethylene is also used in many consumer products, such as soaps, detergents, and dyes, as well as in the production of fabrics and textiles.
Is ethylene harmful to humans?
Yes, ethylene gas can be harmful to humans. It is highly flammable and exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. In high concentrations, ethylene can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
Long-term exposure to high levels of ethylene can also cause more serious health problems, such as damage to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. In extreme cases, ethylene can also be deadly.
The EPA has classified ethylene as a hazardous air pollutant, and as such it is regulated under the Clean Air Act. Appropriate protective equipment, such as respiratory masks and gloves, should be worn when dealing with ethylene.
Is ethylene oxide sterilization safe for humans?
Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is generally considered safe for humans. It is used to safely sterilize a variety of medical and surgical instruments and supplies, such as syringes, needles, surgical tools, implants, bandages, and gauze.
The process is typically completed in a closed environment and includes multiple stages of monitoring and control.
When applied in the proper concentrations and appropriate amount of time, EO is typically effective in killing or inactivating microorganisms, and poses minimal risk to humans. The most significant health concern related to EO is occupational exposure, as prolonged, high-level exposure can result in a range of long-term health effects, including neurological and respiratory issues.
Occupational exposure to EO is monitored strictly and is performed in facilities designed to contain and exhaust the gas.
Despite the health risks associated with prolonged, high-level occupational exposure to EO, the level of exposure risk to individuals exposed to sterilized products is generally considered negligible.
To ensure safety, all products that have been sterilized using EO should be properly labeled, to ensure they are handled in accordance with the appropriate protocols and regulations.
What is the maximum amount of ethylene oxide An employee can be exposed to over an 8 hour TWA?
The maximum amount of ethylene oxide (also known as EO) an employee can be exposed to over an 8 hour time-weighted average (TWA) according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is 0.
5 parts per million (ppm). This is an exposure limit set as the 8-hour TWA for a normal 40-hour workweek or a full-time equivalent (FTE) worker. The limit is set so that an employee’s exposure to EO does not exceed exposure limits established by either state or federal agencies.
It is important to note that the 0. 5 ppm level applies even if the employee experiences intermittent exposures over the course of their workday, as long as their total cumulative exposure does not exceed this limit.
Employers should establish a monitoring system to ensure that workers are not exposed to concentrations of EO above this limit and must test the workplace to determine if any exposure to EO is present.
Employers are also required to provide protective gear such as respirators, gloves and protective clothing to workers who may be exposed to ethylene oxide and to keep workers apprised of the potential dangers of EO exposure.
Can ethylene oxide be absorbed through the skin?
Yes, ethylene oxide can be absorbed through the skin. When ethylene oxide comes in contact with the skin, it is absorbed and immediately enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body.
Studies have found that significant amounts of the compound can be absorbed through the skin. For example, a study in rats exposed to various concentrations of ethylene oxide through the skin found that up to 15-25% of the total dose administered was absorbed.
Ethylene oxide can have significant systemic effects, including reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity, and narcosis. Therefore, it is important to take care and avoid direct contact with the compound.