What is Ethylene Oxide and how dangerous is it?

Ethylene Oxide or oxiran (with formula C2H4O), is an organic compound capable of destroying DNA. Therefore, this substance Ethylene Oxide becomes an effective disinfectant but also a cause of cancer.

Using Ethylene Oxide for a long time can affect human health. Therefore, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies Ethylene Oxide as a mutagenic, carcinogenic and toxic substance that causes infertility.

What is Ethylene Oxide and how dangerous is it? Picture 1What is Ethylene Oxide and how dangerous is it? Picture 1

What are the health risks of consuming foods contaminated with Ethylene Oxide?

People can be exposed to Ethylene Oxide through inhalation and ingestion during work, in the living environment, or by purchasing products containing this substance.

The consumption of foods containing Ethylene Oxide does not pose an acute health hazard. But consuming food contaminated with Ethylene Oxide for a long time increases the risk of harm to health.

Specifically, when infected with the body, this substance will disrupt the structure of protein macromolecules and DNA, thereby creating a basic carcinogen.

What is Ethylene Oxide used for?

  1. Ethylene oxide is commonly used as a raw material for making ethylene glycol, antifreeze and polyester.
  2. Small amounts of ethylene oxide are used in the manufacture of insecticidal insecticides.
  3. Ethylene oxide is also used in textiles, detergents, solvents and adhesives.
  4. Making highly effective sterilization and fumigation products.

Hopefully the above article will help you understand what Ethylene Oxide is and how dangerous it is to humans.

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