Substance Information

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REACH Registration data can be found in the new ECHA CHEM database. The old ‘Registered substance factsheets’ will be available on this web site during the transition period but have not been updated since 19 May 2023. More

 

Ethylene oxide

EC / List no.: 200-849-9

CAS no.: 75-21-8

Mol. formula: C2H4O

formula
GHS02: Flammable GHS05: Corrosive GHS08: Serious Health Hazard GHS06: Acute Toxicity

Danger! According to the harmonised classification and labelling (ATP14) approved by the European Union, this substance is toxic if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, is toxic if inhaled, may cause genetic defects, may cause cancer, may damage fertility and is suspected of damaging the unborn child, causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, is an extremely flammable gas, causes serious eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation and may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

GHS04: Gas under Pressure

Additionally, the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations identifies that this substance may damage fertility or the unborn child, is an extremely flammable gas and may react explosively even in the absence of air, contains gas under pressure and may explode if heated and causes skin irritation.

  • C

Carcinogenic

  • M

Mutagenic

  • R

Toxic to Reproduction

  • ED

Possibly Endocrine Disrupting

This substance is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 1 000 000 tonnes per annum.

This substance is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.

Biocidal Uses

This substance is being reviewed for use as a biocide in the EEA and/or Switzerland, for: disinfection.

This substance is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.

Consumer Uses

This substance is used in the following products: inks and toners, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, washing & cleaning products, non-metal-surface treatment products and cosmetics and personal care products.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use as processing aid.

Article service life

Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance, formulation in materials, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and for thermoplastic manufacture.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
This substance can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles and machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical/electronic products (e.g. computers, cameras, lamps, refrigerators, washing machines).

Widespread uses by professional workers

This substance is used in the following products: plant protection products, laboratory chemicals, inks and toners, coating products, adhesives and sealants and fertilisers.
This substance is used in the following areas: agriculture, forestry and fishing, building & construction work and scientific research and development.
This substance is used for the manufacture of: chemicals.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use and indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters).

Formulation or re-packing

This substance is used in the following products: polymers, inks and toners, coating products, fuels, non-metal-surface treatment products, paper chemicals and dyes and washing & cleaning products.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.

Uses at industrial sites

This substance is used in the following products: polymers, inks and toners, washing & cleaning products, non-metal-surface treatment products and paper chemicals and dyes.
This substance has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
This substance is used for the manufacture of: chemicals.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: for thermoplastic manufacture and as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates).

Manufacture

Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.

The InfoCard summarises the non-confidential data on substances as held in the databases of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), including data provided by third parties. The InfoCard is automatically generated. Information requirements under different legislative frameworks may therefore not be up–to–date or complete. Substance manufacturers and importers are responsible for consulting official publications. This InfoCard is covered by the ECHA Legal Disclaimer.

ECHA logo about INFOCARD - Last updated: 18/05/2023