ABSTRACT
The uses of ethylene oxide include: manufacture of ethylene glycol, surfactants, ethanolamines, glycol ethers, and other organic chemicals. Ethylene oxide is also used as a sterilizer and fumigant. It is among the 10 highest produced chemicals in the U.S., with an estimate of over 5 billion pounds produced in 1981. 5 Over 99% of ethylene oxide produced in the United States is used as a chemical intermediate for production of various chemicals, with less than 1% used as a sterilant or fumigant. Ethylene oxide has also been used in flame retardants and to accelerate the maturing of tobacco leaves.
