ETHYLENE OXIDE - SCI
& TECH
News: Singapore recalls Everest Fish
Curry Masala over alleged pesticide content
What's in the news?
●
The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong recalled
Everest Fish Curry Masala from India alleging the presence of a pesticide
called ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limit.
Ethylene Oxide:
●
It is a flammable
gas with a somewhat sweet odor.
●
It dissolves
easily in water.
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It appears as a clear colorless gas with an ethereal odor.
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Ethylene oxide is a man-made chemical that is used primarily to make ethylene glycol.
Applications:
1. Sterilization:
●
It is widely used for sterilizing medical equipment
and supplies due to its ability to penetrate packaging and kill bacteria,
viruses, and fungi.
2. Chemical
Intermediates:
●
Ethylene oxide is a precursor to many other chemicals,
including ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze and polyester
production.
3. Surfactants:
●
It is used in the production of surfactants for
detergents, cosmetics, and personal care products.
4. Textiles:
●
Ethylene oxide is used for treating textiles to
impart wrinkle resistance and shrink resistance.
5. Pesticides:
●
It serves as a raw material for manufacturing
certain pesticides.
Health Impacts:
●
It mainly impacts human central nervous system depression and irritation of the eyes
and mucous membranes.
● Chronic exposure to ethylene oxide in humans can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage to the brain and nervous system.