Abstract: A process for removing ethylene oxide from a gas composition containing ethylene oxide by intimately contacting the gas composition with an aqueous acidic solution and having a pH less than about 4 and an initial temperature less than about 50.degree. C when the solution comprises the minimum volume required to substantially completely convert the ethylene oxide. The initial pH and temperature of the solution and the initial mole ratio of acid in solution to ethylene oxide being converted is controlled to permit substantially complete conversion of ethylene oxide to products including ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycols while preventing evolution of dissolved ethylene oxide from solution. During reaction, the solution temperature is maintained less than about 70.degree. C to avoid evolution of dissolved ethylene oxide.