Substance Information
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
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.
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.
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Carcinogenic |
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Mutagenic |
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Toxic to Reproduction |
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Possibly Endocrine Disrupting |
- Substance included in the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP).
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.
about INFOCARD - Last updated: 18/05/2023