Ethylene oxide

• The European Commission (EC) has classified ethylene oxide as a pesticide.
  • Earlier it was classified as fumigant.
• This means agricultural products being exported to European Union will now be mandatorily tested.

About Ethylene oxide

• A flammable colorless gas with a sweet odour.
• Used primarily to produce other chemicals, including antifreeze.
• In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilizing agent.
• It has been classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic reproductive toxin.