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ETHYLENE OXIDE AND TETRAFLUOROETHANE MIXTURE, WITH NOT MORE THAN 5.6% ETHYLENE OXIDE

2.2 - Non-flammable, non-poisonous gas
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The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number
  • 75-21-8   (ETHYLENE OXIDE)
  • 29759-38-4
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Non-Flammable Gas
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Ethylene oxideexternal_link
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A nonflammable gas. Vapors heavier than air. Ethylene oxide boils at 11°C and is a confirmed carcinogen. Mixture may asphyxiate by the displacement of air especially in confined places. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the container may violently rupture and rocket.

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
  • Polymerizable
Air & Water Reactions
No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. CAUTION: Aerosols (UN1950) may contain a flammable propellant. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. (ERG, 2020)
Reactivity Profile
ETHYLENE OXIDE by itself is highly flammable and presents a severe explosion hazard when exposed to flame. The autoignition temperature may be as low as 140°C in presence of rust. Rapid compression of the vapor with air causes explosion. Ethylene oxide vapor may be initiated into explosive decomposition in absence of air [Hess, L. G., et al., Ind. Eng. Chem., 1950, 42, p. 1251]. Metal fittings containing magnesium, copper or silver should be avoided, since traces of acetylene in ethylene oxide may produce metal acetylides capable of detonating the vapor [MCA SD-38, 1971]. Violent polymerization occurs on contact with strong bases (alkali hydroxides, ammonia) or acids, amines, metallic potassium, oxides (aluminum oxide, iron oxide, rust), covalent halides (aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, tin(IV) chloride) [Gupta, A. K., J. Soc. Chem. Ind., 1949, 68, p. 179]. Violent reaction with m-nitroaniline, magnesium perchlorate, mercaptans, thiols, triethylamine [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 316]. Tetrafluoroethane-Materials in this group, halogenated organics, are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides. Halogenated aliphatic compounds are moderately or very reactive. Reactivity generally decreases with increased degree of substitution of halogen for hydrogen atoms in the molecule.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

  • Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
  • Dirt/Earth

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 500 meters (1/3 mile).

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. Some of these materials, if spilled, may evaporate leaving a flammable residue. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR
QC = Tychem 2000
SL = Tychem 4000
C3 = Tychem 5000
TF = Tychem 6000
TP = Tychem 6000 FR
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM
TK = Tychem 10000
RF = Tychem 10000 FR
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either 1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Epoxy ethane (-70°C, liquid) 75-21-8 Liquid >180
Epoxy ethane (0°C, liquid) 75-21-8 Liquid >480 >480 >480
Epoxy ethane (10% in HCFC) 75-21-8 Vapor >480
Epoxy ethane (11°C, liquid) 75-21-8 Liquid 18
Epoxy ethane (gaseous) 75-21-8 Vapor imm imm >480 126 >480 >480 >480 >480
Ethylene oxide (-70°C, liquid) 75-21-8 Liquid >180
Ethylene oxide (0°C, liquid) 75-21-8 Liquid >480 >480 >480
Ethylene oxide (10% in HCFC) 75-21-8 Vapor >480
Ethylene oxide (11°C, liquid) 75-21-8 Liquid 18
Ethylene oxide (gaseous) 75-21-8 Vapor imm imm >480 126 >480 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.
"imm" indicates immediate; having a normalized breakthrough time of 10 minutes or less.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be worn as the outer foot covering.

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • C2H4O
  • C2H2F4
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: data unavailable
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: 10.56 eV [From NPG: Ethylene oxide] (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 800 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. [From NPG: Ethylene oxide] (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Ethylene oxide (75-21-8)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 80 ppm 360 ppm
30 minutes NR 80 ppm 360 ppm
60 minutes NR 45 ppm 200 ppm
4 hours NR 14 ppm 63 ppm
8 hours NR 7.9 ppm 35 ppm
NR = Not recommended
(NAC/NRC, 2023)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Ethylene Oxide (75-21-8) NA 50 ppm 500 ppm
NA = not appropriate.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Ethylene oxide; (Oxirane) (75-21-8) 5 ppm 45 ppm 200 ppm LEL = 30000 ppm
(DOE, 2018)

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Ethylene oxide 75-21-8 1000 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds 313 U115 10000 pounds
Oxirane 75-21-8 1000 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds X U115 10000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Ethylene oxide; [Oxirane] 75-21-8 1.00 % 10000 pounds flammable

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Ethylene Oxide 75-21-8 5000 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • ETHYLENE OXIDE AND TETRAFLUOROETHANE MIXTURE, WITH NOT MORE THAN 5.6% ETHYLENE OXIDE
  • TETRAFLUOROETHANE AND ETHYLENE OXIDE MIXTURE, WITH NOT MORE THAN 5.6% ETHYLENE OXIDE

Version 3.0.0