Ethylene Oxide (C2H4O)

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is used in the large-scale production of chemicals, as a fumigant in certain agricultural products, as a sterilizing agent for medical devices, and can be found in the atmosphere as a pollutant emitted from natural gas, cigarette smoke and diesel exhaust. Despite its relatively common usage, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the German MAK commission and others, have classified it as a toxic substance with proven mutagenic properties, solidifying its position as a carcinogen. While the mutagenic properties of Ethylene Oxide have been known since the 1940s, the regulatory landscape around emissions and exposure limits has evolved with the publication of the most recent National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) in the US.

Using innovative next-generation laser technology, Picarro has developed a family of CRDS-based analyzers capable of measuring ppt levels of EtO in real time (< 2 seconds) and without the need for chromatographic separation or pre-concentration.  

Analyzers

Product Measurements Applications

G2910 Gas Concentration Analyzer

Within Picarro’s family of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) gas concentration analyzers, the G2910 Stack and Indoor Air Quality Analyzer has been configured to enable measurements of EtO at the source of emission. The G2910 supports measurements over a broad range of EtO concentrations, with support for complex gas mixtures, without sacrificing precision and stability. In applications where accurate, real-time quantification of EtO emissions is required, Picarro excels over traditional technologies, such as Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) or Gas Chromatography (GC). Quantification of EtO from stacks, abatement systems, sterilization rooms, aeration warehouses and building ventilation has never been easier.

G2920 Gas Concentration Analyzer

Within Picarro’s family of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) gas concentration analyzers, the G2920 Ambient Analyzer introduces a platform that supports long-term monitoring of fugitive emissions at the fenceline and ambient concentrations of EtO near communities. In applications where accurate, real-time quantification of EtO emissions is required, Picarro excels over traditional technologies, such as Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) or Gas Chromatography (GC). Quantification of fugitive EtO emissions from industrial facilities has never been easier.

Peripherals

Product Measurements Applications

Ambient Air Monitoring System for Ethylene Oxide

The ability to monitor and quantify ethylene oxide (EtO or EO) is central to eliminating sources and reducing long-term exposure to this hazardous air pollutant. The Picarro Ambient Air Monitoring System for Ethylene Oxide continuously and automatically monitors and quantifies low, ambient levels of EtO. It is ideal for use in community monitoring stations and at industrial fencelines. 

Leveraging Picarro’s advanced Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS), this system offers several unique advantages over canister-based methods and legacy technologies, including: