Ethylene oxide (EtO) is used in healthcare and other industries to sterilize a wide range of equipment. The use of EtO sterilization systems has not been approved by Federal OSHA for emergency use to sterilize filtering facepiece respirators.
Does ethylene oxide sterilize or disinfect?
Ethylene oxide is used to sterilize about 50% of medical supplies that require a high level of disinfection.
Does ethylene oxide kill viruses?
5.1 Ethylene Oxide. Ethylene oxide (C 2 H 4 O), sometimes called oxirane, is an organic alkylating gas with very potent and highly penetrating properties. Ethylene oxide is capable of destroying most viruses, bacteria, and fungi , including bacterial spores.
Do hospitals use ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilizers have been used by hospitals for over 40 years to sterilize surgical equipment and supplies that are heat sensitive or that cannot tolerate excessive moisture.
What does ethylene oxide sterilize?
” Currently, ethylene oxide gas is used to sterilize 50% of all medical supplies that require that high level of disinfection — everything from plastic surgical gowns to syringes, catheters, bandages, gauze, and pacemakers.
Do surgical masks contain ethylene oxide?
If sterilized, face masks or surgical masks would likely be sterilized using ethylene oxide . ... 3M, which manufactures masks and personal protective equipment, also warns against using ethylene oxide to decontaminate masks because wearers could breathe in residual amounts.
How safe is ethylene oxide?
EPA has concluded that ethylene oxide is carcinogenic to humans by the inhalation route of exposure . Evidence in humans indicates that exposure to ethylene oxide increases the risk of lymphoid cancer and, for females, breast cancer.
What happens if you inhale ethylene oxide?
Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to high concentrations of ethylene oxide can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue , respiratory irritation (e.g., coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing) and, in some cases, vomiting and other types of gastrointestinal distress.
Is ethylene oxide toxic to humans?
Chronic (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. ... EPA has concluded that ethylene oxide is carcinogenic to humans by the inhalation route of exposure .
What foods contain ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide was also recently found in the additive locust bean gum, which is mainly a thickening agent or stabilizer. It is used in foods including ice cream , breakfast cereals, meat products, confectionery, fermented milk products and cheese.
How long does ethylene oxide sterilization last?
ETO should be considered a known human carcinogen. The basic ETO sterilization cycle consists of five stages (i.e., preconditioning and humidification, gas introduction, exposure, evacuation, and air washes) and takes approximately 2 1/2 hrs excluding aeration time .
What products use ethylene oxide?
Ethylene oxide is used to make a variety of products found all around your house – from shampoos to disinfectants to laundry detergent . It is also a necessary ingredient for some highly durable fabrics and textiles used in clothing, carpet, upholstery, and pillows.
Does glutaraldehyde sterilize?
Glutaraldehyde is used as a cold sterilant to disinfect a variety of heat-sensitive instruments, such as endoscopes, dialysis equipment, and more. ... Disinfectant and sterilization of surfaces and equipment.
Are there chemicals in face masks?
The research reveals high levels of pollutants, including lead, antimony, and copper , within the silicon-based and plastic fibres of common disposable face masks. Swansea University scientists have uncovered potentially dangerous chemical pollutants that are released from disposable face masks when submerged in water.
How do you handle ethylene oxide?
Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles . A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary. Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. In some operations: wear a chemical protective, full-body encapsulating suit and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
What are surgical masks made of?
The material most commonly used to make these masks is polypropylene —a type of fabric made from a “thermoplastic” polymer (meaning that it’s easy to work with and shape at high temperatures).
