Integrative literature review: Ethylene oxide exposure signs and symptoms

Although ethylene oxide (EtO) gas is designated as a human carcinogen, extant literature reports mixed findings on the health effects of exposure. The disparate findings may reflect industry bias as many studies were funded by a large chemical industry lobby.

To conduct an integrative review of studies free from industry bias to facilitate compilation of a comprehensive list of reported signs and symptoms of EtO exposure.

We reviewed 1887 papers of which 42 articles met inclusion criteria. The authors conducted this review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The presence of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists.

Non-industry biased literature confirmed serious adverse health effects associated with EtO exposure at the occupational, hospital, and community level. EtO represents a carcinogen, neurotoxin, and respiratory irritant.

After removal of industry-biased studies, EtO was unequivocally found to pose a threat to human health. There remains a gap in the number of studies examining community-level exposure, which is essential to understanding the impact of EtO. Given that EtO-emitting facilities are concentrated in diverse and disadvantaged communities, further study of EtO exposure health effects is warranted to inform public policy on toxic air emissions.