Ethylene oxide is a major raw material used in the manufacture of numerous other bulk industrial chemicals, and is also used as a sterilizing agent.

This test method provides a means of evaluating exposure to ethylene oxide in the working environment. Examples of recommended occupational exposure limits (OELs) include: a U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) personal exposure limit (PEL) of 1 ppm(v) (8-h TWA) and an American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 1 ppm(v).

1.1 This test method describes the determination of ethylene oxide (oxirane) in workplace atmospheres using charcoal tube sampling methodology. Subsequent analysis is carried out by gas chromatography.

1.2 This test method is compatible with low flow rate personal sampling equipment: 10 to 200 mL/min. It can be used for personal or area monitoring.

1.3 The sampling method develops a time-weighted averaged (TWA) sample and can be used to determine short-term excursions (STE).

1.4 The applicable concentration range for the TWA sample is from 0.3 to 20 ppm(v).

1.5 The applicable concentration range for the STE sample ranges from 1 to 1000 ppm(v).

1.6 The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the standard. Inch-pound units are provided for information only.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (For more specific safety precautionary statements see Section 9 and 10.2.3 and 11.1.3.)