A gas handling system for ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide (ETO), a widely used gas sterilant and industrial raw material, is under FDA and EPA scrutiny for its toxicity and potential as a mutagen and a carcinogen. For this reason it was necessary to improve upon the handling of ETO in the laboratory to facilitate air sampling and analyses procedures. A safe and convenient apparatus, designed and fabricated from readily available stainless steel fittings is discussed. The system provides for the complete conversion of 100% ETO liquid to a vapor which is extractable from an easily sampled port for subsequent gas chromatographic analysis.