Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a flammable, colorless gas used as an agent to sterilize equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam, such as healthcare devices and instruments. Ethylene oxide is also used to make other chemicals that produce many everyday products including plastics, textiles, adhesives, detergents and cosmetics.
UPDATE March 14, 2024. EPA announces final rule to slash toxic emissions of ethylene oxide and reduce cancer risk.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a rule that will reduce lifetime cancer risks for people living near commercial sterilization facilities across the country. The final amendments to the air toxics standards for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization facilities put in place the strongest measures in U.S. history to reduce emissions of EtO, one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals. Through the installation of proven and achievable air pollution controls, commercial sterilizers will reduce emissions by more than 90%. Learn more here.
