Ethylene is a gaseous flammable organic compound found naturally in the ripening of fruit but it is also produced by heating natural gas. Ethylene gas is colourless with a slightly sweet smell.
What is Ethylene?
Ethylene is a gaseous flammable organic compound, and found in fruits and vegetables. Ethylene gas occurs naturally as a result of ripening, or may be produced when plants are injured. Ethylene gas is a hormone which regulates a plant’s growth, but it is also widely used to create common chemicals and materials. These materials eventually form countless household products, such as food packaging, plastics, the antifreeze found in planes, or the synthetic rubber used to create tyres.
There are countless ethylene uses, which is why it is such an essential gas. The key uses of ethylene are:
- Fruit ripening – ethylene is often used to speed up the ripening process
- Industrial applications
Ethylene gas is extremely flammable and highly reactive and must therefore be treated with care. As the gas is under pressure, it may explode if heated. If inhaled in substantial quantities, exposure may cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue, fainting, confusion and unconsciousness.
To avoid any risk of inhaling ethylene gas, it should only be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling ethylene vapours, gas or fumes.
Keep ethylene gas away from heat, sparks, hot surfaces, or open flames. Ethylene gas or gas cylinders should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area where any sources of ignition are eliminated.
How to absorb ethylene gas?
When some fruits release ethylene gas, if they are stored with other fruits and vegetables, it can make other produce ripen faster. Some produce releases more ethylene gas than others, and can therefore speed up the ripening process. To avoid this, ethylene absorbers can be used to reduce the amount of ethylene in the air and therefore extend the shelf life of produce. Ethylene absorbers are fairly affordable and can be purchased from Amazon as well as major grocery store chains.
Is ethylene a greenhouse gas?
Ethylene is not typically considered a greenhouse gas generated by the actions of humans and it does not persist in the earth’s atmosphere. However, it may indirectly contribute to the warming of the planet through the degradation of certain plastics when they are exposed to the sun.
Where to buy ethylene in Australia?
You can rent ethylene gas safely and securely from a range of our local branches. Browse our branch locator here and contact your nearest branch directly.
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