Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet smell that is used widely in chemical industry and agriculture. It is produced through steam cracking of hydrocarbons at high temperatures. In agriculture, ethylene triggers ripening processes in fruits by stimulating enzymes and is also involved in plant stress responses. Exposure to ethylene gas can cause dizziness, fatigue and unconsciousness in humans. Proper storage techniques are needed to reduce cross-contamination between ethylene-sensitive and ethylene-producing plants.