Ethylene oxide is one of the most common and important chemicals used in the industrial sector. It is a colourless gas used to produce several chemicals for industrial processes. EtO is also widely used for medical equipment sterilisation. The gas is highly flammable and reactive under specific conditions. Despite its widespread use across industries, ethylene oxide is harmful, and many industrial workers are unaware of the risks associated with exposure.
When it comes to protecting industrial workers from exposure to ethylene oxide, standard HVAC systems are insufficient. EtO is a known carcinogen, and when inhaled it can increase the risk of lymphoid and breast cancers. Ethylene oxide ventilation requirements differ; advanced filtration systems are required to clear EtO handling zones.
This blog post focuses on the reasons why standard HVAC systems fail and how to control ethylene oxide gas in warehouses.
Why Standards HVAC Fail to Protect from EtO Exposure?
The key difference to understand is that standard HVAC systems are designed to deliver comfort to a building’s occupants, not to contain chemicals, fumes and toxic gases. These systems manage temperature, humidity and move air around the room.
Since standard systems are focused on delivering comfort, they recirculate indoor air. This is essential for an office or home environment where the main goal is to maintain temperature and enjoy comfort. However, this practice is highly dangerous for EtO handling zones. If ethylene oxide is released in a warehouse, a standard system recirculating air will redistribute the contaminated air throughout the facility, potentially exposing more workers and allowing higher concentrations to build up over time.
Workplace Australia has set strict ethylene oxide exposure limits. The guidelines state that the maximum eight‑hour time weighted average (TWA) is 1 part per million (1.8 mg/m³). This limit is only for a workplace and not for industrial settings. Therefore, it is important that EtO be captured using highly advanced air filtration systems.
You can read more about the potential hazards of EtO exposure on workers’ health here.
Does General Ventilation Work?
Is general ventilation sufficient to mitigate the effects of EtO? Removal of ethylene oxide requires a higher number of air changes per hour – at least 10. While allowing fresh outdoor air inside helps dilute the concentration of the gas, it does not completely remove it. It is important to have a purpose-built air purification system in targeted places to effectively control higher concentrations.
How Can Euromate Pure Air Help Control Ethylene Oxide Gas in Warehouses?
Euromate Pure Air offers dedicated solutions engineered to complement existing ventilation control methods by actively filtering harmful gases from industrial settings. Our HF Industrial Cleaner is one of the most highly effective and advanced filtration technologies,and it is ideal for industries. It has a maximum filtration capacity of 5000 m³/h and features European technology. There are multiple filtration phases and a range of filters to select from. It effectively and efficiently removes several indoor air contaminants, including odours, gases and airborne pollutants. It filters up to 90% of contamination from industrial environments and requires no ductwork to function. Some notable features of the HF Industrial are:
- Four models to choose from
- You can choose pre-filters and final filters.
- Captures fine particles as small as 0.01 microns
- Reusable and easy-to-clean filters
Final Thoughts
EtO gas is widely used, but very few people know about its dangers. It affects human health, increasing the risk of several cancers since it is a known carcinogen. Standard HVAC systems and general ventilation methods are not enough, since EtO requires multiple air exchanges and high-filtration technology. Euromate Pure Air has air purification technology that specifically targets gases. Explore more about our product range here. You can also discuss your required product according to your environment and occupancy by contacting our indoor air quality experts.
