Ethylene/Ethene
Quick Reference
What is Ethylene/Ethene?
Ethylene is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals. Common applications include synthesis of plastics such as polyethylene, ripening of fruit at food distribution centers, and metal fabrication. It is most commonly transported as a compressed gas in large tanks, but can also be transported by pipeline, or in double walled cryogenic transport vessels by rail or on highways. Highly flammable and an explosion risk. Lighter than air. If a compressed gas: UN 1932 and ERG 116P. If a cryogenic liquified gas: UN 1038 and ERG 115.
Crew Safety
- Staging/Perimeter
- Spill or leak without fire: 100m, uphill and upwind.
- For large transport vessel with fire or risk of fire: 1600m
- Additional Resources
- For patients in confined space, low oxygen environment: fire department with SCBA.
- Consider fire department for control of leak and mitigation of fire risk.
- PPE requirements
- If rescue is required SCBA is needed.
- If no rescue is required assess patient in well ventilated area: standard PPE is sufficient.
- Safely initiating patient contact
- Have patient brought to the crew in a well-ventilated area away from asphyxiation and fire risk.
Effect on the Patient
Primarily acts as a simple asphyxiant in confined spaces. Exposure to higher concentrations of ethylene can result in headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, arrythmia, and death. These symptoms are attributable to hypoxia. Sudden release of compressed gas or cryogenic liquified gas can cause frostbite and localized soft tissue injury. Single acute exposures not known to have long-term toxic effects.
Patient Decontamination
Move patient to ambient air and administer high flow O2. Remove bulky clothing or insulating layers as they may trap gasses. Bulky clothing should not be transported with the patient.
Patient Treatment
- Focus on oxygenation and support of ventilation for all symptomatic patients.
- Treat as per BCEHS CPGs.
Safe Transfer of Care
No risk of off-gassing or secondary contamination.
Paramedic and Equipment Decontamination
No special precautions needed. If bulky clothing was inadvertently transported with the patient open doors and air out the ambulance for 20 minutes after transport.
Quick Access Resources
DPIC Monograph
No DPIC monograph available.
Paramedic Specialist Safety Data Sheet
No SDS available.
Emergency Response Guidebook
Ethylene NOVA Chemicals Risk Profile
Revision History
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-05-01 | Initial version | Clinical Hub |