Ethylene oxide - What are the OHS risks?
Exposure to ethylene oxide can occur through inhalation, ingestion or intravenously (if a surgical instrument has not been correctly sterilised).
Breathing in relatively high levels of ethylene oxide can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory passages and affect the nervous system producing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, memory loss and numbness in humans.
Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide at high levels encountered at some workplaces has also been associated with a small to moderate increase in the incidence of some cancers. While there is no conclusive proof that the chemical causes cancer, the chemical has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.
There is also some evidence that the risk of miscarriage is increased amongst workers in occupations with high ethylene oxide exposure.