Toxic substances list: ethylene oxide

Domestic production of ethylene oxide in 1996 was 625 kilotonnes, 95% of which was used in the manufacture of ethylene glycol. An estimated 4% was used in the manufacture of surfactants. Ethylene oxide is also used as a sterilant for health care materials and other heat-sensitive products. Anthropogenic sources, released an estimated 47 tonnes, all to the atmosphere, in 2000. Of this total, 29 tonnes were released from sterilization applications and 18 tonnes by the chemical industry.

For information on Canada's international engagement on this substance, please visit:

• Rotterdam Convention

CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number: 75-21-8

Risk assessment

• Priority Substances List Assessment Report
• Order Adding Toxic Substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances. It is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that:
  c) constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.
• Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy

Sources

This substance is entering the environment from the following sources:

• Chemical Industry
• Environmental Emergency
• Sterilization Sector

Risk management strategy

Click on the following link to view strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with the substance:

• Risk Management Strategy For Ethylene Oxide (PDF version of June 27, 2003)

Risk management tools

Tools developed to manage risks associated with the substance:

• Determination of the Ethylene Oxide Control Efficiency from Catalytic Oxidizers - A Guidance Document
• Determination of the Ethylene Oxide Control Efficiency from Catalytic Oxidizers - Reference Method for Source Testing
• Guidelines for the Reduction of Ethylene Oxide Releases from Sterilization Applications
• Environmental Emergency Regulations
• CCPA And Governments Of Canada, Ontario And Alberta Memorandum Of Understanding For Environmental Protection Through Action Under CCPA Responsible Care®

Other information

• Degradation Products of Ethylene Oxide
• National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) - Information Centre
• North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation Web Site

 

Contact

Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-800-567-1999  (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

 

Return to Substance List