Ethanol - C2H6O
This page presents information about ethanol (C2H6O) - or ethylic alcohol - characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems - ethanol gas detector - and respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or powered air purifying respirator with A gas filter) against these vapors.
Ethanol (C2H6O) properties
Sugar fermentation into ethanol (C2H6O) - also known as ethylic alcohol or alcohol - is one of the oldest biotechnologies used to produce alcoholic beverages. It is used as a solvent or disinfectant in industries and as a raw material to produce many compounds. If concentrated and hydrated, ethanol becomes bioethanol - a biofuel (European E85) - that is mixed with gasoline or diesel.
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64-17-5 | 1 000 ppm | 5 000 ppm | 3.3 % | 10.43 eV | 1.59 | A |
Ethanol effects on health
Ethanol (C2H6O) is a colorless volatile liquid with a sweet smell detectable from 84 ppm. It can easily be inhaled or absorbed through skin. Intoxication acute symptoms by ingestion are well-known and essentially neuropsychic: intellectual and physical excitation, coordination deficiency then alcohol coma and even respiratory paralysis.
Ethanol gas detector - C2H6O
Even if this gas can be detected through smell, only a C2H6O gas detector can accurately measure concentrations of ethanol vapor in the air. Moreover, as this gas is explosive, it is advised to use a combustible gas detector to get efficient explosive measuring range for ethanol detection (percentage of the lower explosive limit LEL).
For calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, ethanol calibration gas cylinders are available.
Ethanol vapor respiratory protection - C2H6O
Because ethanol is irritating to the eyes, it is recommended to wear a full face mask for short interventions or a much more comfortable powered air respirator equipped with an A filter up to 30 times the OEL.