Ethylene oxide: what it is and what it is used for

Ethylene oxide (also called oxirane, chemical formulaC₂H₄Or) is a compound belonging tocyclic ethers. More precisely, it is the simplest of epoxides, namely cyclic ethers in which oxygen constitutes one of the atoms of a three-term ring. As the name suggests, this compound is obtained as a result of the oxidation of ethylene (C₂H₄), an alkene hydrocarbon. This compound is in a gaseous state due to its low boiling temperature (11 ° C) and unlike other similar compounds is soluble in water. This compound is naturally present in natural gas, while in everyday life it is also found among the inhaled substances whensmoking cigarettes.

Due to itsdisinfectant properties, this compound is used in many sectors, for example in the sterilization of surgical instruments, sterilization of operating rooms or to disinfect silos containing for example seeds / flours to protect against contamination by mold or bacteria.

The EU authorities havebanned the use of ethylene oxidein food, as its harmful effects on health and its responsibility behind the occurrence of certain types ofcancer have been established. However, in some non-EU countries it is still used and this creates problems of contamination in the case of importation of raw materials from countries that still use it.

Ethylene oxide: health risks and symptoms

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, ethylene oxide is banned for food use due to itscarcinogenic nature. Some studies conducted on laboratory guinea pigs have shown that prolonged exposure to oxyrane can favor the onset of liver cancer, while according toother analyzesconducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in humans prolonged exposure to this compound would increase the chances of getting sick of:

• Lymphocytic leukemia;
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
• Myeloma;
• Breast cancer;

The correlation between prolonged exposure to the compound and the onset ofcataracts was also demonstrated. Also among guinea pigs, a high incidence ofspontaneous abortionsand other reproductive problems (fetal malformations) was also observed in specimens exposed to high quantities of oxirane. However, there is still no certain data regarding the incidence of the phenomenon also among humans.

As stated in the previous paragraph, in everyday life it is not difficult to come into contact with oxirane. In fact, it is enough to smoke a cigarette or breathe passive smoke to introduce this substance into the body.

Inhalation of ethylene oxide is the modality that presents the most risks if perpetrated over time. Symptoms typical of people who have been exposed to ethylene oxide can include:

• Headache;
• seizures;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Eye irritation;

In the worst cases (high quantity for a long time) it can also lead to Stroke and coma , with the possibility of the subject’s death.

What foods may contain ethylene oxide?

Is ethylene oxide harmful if ingested? Once the carcinogenic risk linked to the inhalation of ethylene oxide was confirmed, the Health Authorities of the EU have provided for a ban on its use also asa food additive . 

What foods might contain it? In principle, the food categories that could be most affected by ethylene oxide contamination and for which there have already been reports of batches of different brands are:

• Sweet and savory snacks, especially containing Sesame ;
• Ice creams;
• Dried fruit;
• Spices;
• Candies;
• Yogurt;
• Bakery products;
• spreadable creams;

European authorities periodically monitor food imported from non-EU countriesor containing raw materials from the latter. It follows that the attention towards this dangerous compound is high. It is advisable to avoid foods with not consuming the offending foods when reported by the authorities and to always stay updated on the matter.