Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas used to make other chemicals that are used in making a range of products, including antifreeze, textiles, plastics, detergents and adhesives. Ethylene oxide also is used to sterilize equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam, such as medical equipment. To protect public health, EPA is committed to addressing ethylene oxide emissions from industrial sources of these potent chemicals.