Ethylene oxide

Formula: C₂H₄O | CAS: 75-21-8

Detecting ethylene oxide: The ability of ethylene oxide to damage DNA makes it an effective sterilising agent but also accounts for its cancer-causing activity.

Detecting ethylene oxide when using it within the medical industry

The main disadvantages associated with ethylene oxide (ETO) are the lengthy cycle time, the cost, and its potential hazards to patients and staff; the main advantage is that it can sterilise heat- or moisture-sensitive medical equipment without deleterious effects on the material used in medical devices.

Most occupational exposures to EtO are covered by the OSHA standard. The standard does not apply, however, when employers can demonstrate that the processing, use, or handling of products containing EtO will not release airborne concentrations of EtO at or above the standard’s action level of 0.5 ppm
– OSHA Fact Sheet

Detecting ethylene oxide early to limit the routes of exposure

The primary routes of human exposure to ethylene oxide are inhalation and ingestion, which may occur through occupational, consumer, or environmental exposure. Because ethylene oxide is highly explosive and reactive, the equipment used for its processing generally consists of tightly closed and highly automated systems, which decreases the risk of occupational exposure.