Ethylene
Agent Name
Ethylene
CAS Number
74-85-1
Formula
C2-H4
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Synonyms
Acetene; Athylen [German]; Bicarburretted hydrogen; Elayl; Ethene; Ethylene; Etileno; Liquid ethylene; Olefiant gas; [ChemIDplus] UN1038; UN1962
Category
Simple Asphyxiants
Description
Colorless gas with a faint sweet odor; [Merck Index] Vapor density = 0.978 (lighter than air); [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used in oxyethylene welding, chemical manufacturing, fruit ripening; Has been used as a general anesthetic; [Merck Index]
Comments
Inhalation of high concentrations cause CNS depression and anesthesia; [Merck Index] Simple asphyxiant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC] "Ethylene, compressed" (UN1962) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
No
TLV (ACGIH)
200 ppm
Odor Threshold Low
17 ppm
Odor Threshold High
959 ppm
Explosive Polymerization
Yes
Explanatory Notes
For TLV, See Appendix F: Minimal Oxygen Content; [ACGIH] Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 270 ppm); Flash point = -213 deg F;
NFPA
burn readily
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable
Other Poison
Simple Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: