Ethane limiting oxygen concentrations

Chloroform in aqueous solutions at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10% of the solubility limit were subjected to y rays. At a given radiation dose, as the concentration of the solution decreased, the rate of decomposition increased. As the radiation dose and solute concentration were increased, the concentrations of the following degradation products also increased methane, ethane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and chloride ions. Conversely, the concentration of oxygen decreased with increased radiation dose and solute concentration (Wu et al, 2002). 

The ACGIH has not assigned a numerical threshold limit value (TLV) for occupational exposure to ethane because the limiting factor is the available oxygen, the minimal content which should be 18% by volume under normal atmospheric pressure at concentrations below those required to produce severe oxygen deprivation, ethane presents an explosive hazard. ... 

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