ASTM D5578-04

Ethylene oxide is a major industrial chemical with production volume ranked in the top 25 chemicals produced in the United States. It is used in the manufacture of a great variety of products as well as being a sterilizing agent and fumigant.

This test method provides a means of determining exposure levels of ETO in the working environment at the presently recommended exposure guidelines.

5.2.1 OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 1 ppm, 15-min excursion limit 5 ppm (CFR, Part 1910, Subpart Z, Section 1910.1047).³

5.2.2 ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) 1 ppm (1.8 mg/m³), suspected human carcinogen.⁴

1.1 This test method covers a method of collecting and analyzing samples to determine the amount of ethylene oxide (ETO) present in workplace atmospheres.

1.2 This test method can be used to provide a time-weighted average (TWA) over the concentration range from 0.2 to 4 ppm (v).

1.3 This test method can be used to determine 15-min excursions (STEL) ranging from 1 to 25 ppm (v).

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

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. See Section 9 for specific safety hazards.