Cancer Terms

Ethylene Oxide

Cancer Terms -> Drugs and Chemicals -> Chemical Modifier -> Carcinogen -> Chemical Carcinogen -> Organic Carcinogen -> Cyclic Ether Carcinogen -> Carcinogenic Epoxide -> Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene Oxide Definition

Colorless, odorless, flammable, toxic gaseous cyclic ether with a sweet ether-like smell. Ethylene oxide is used especially in the synthesis of ethylene glycol and as a sterilizing agent for medical supplies and foods, as a fumigant and as an insecticide. Exposure to this substance is highly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, induces nausea and vomiting and causes central nervous system depression. Ethylene oxide is mutagenic in humans and chronic exposure is associated with an increased risk of leukemia, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. (NCI05)

Ethylene Oxide Synonyms

Ethylene Oxide, 1,2-Epoxyethane, ETHYLENE OXIDE, Oxirane

Terms in Ethylene Oxide category



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