Question

What does ethylene do to humans?

Answer 1

Ethylene:

1. Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide in humans can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage to the brain and nervous system.
2. There also is some evidence linking ethylene oxide exposure to reproductive effects.
3. Our bodies produce ethylene oxide when metabolizing ethylene, which is produced naturally in the body.
4. Coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.
5. Exposure can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, twitching, and seizures.