The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed air quality National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutant (NESHAP) affecting hospitals using ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilizers. The proposed regulation covers sterilization management practices, equipment certification, compliance reporting and other record-keeping requirements.
EPA is accepting comments on the proposed rule until January 5, 2007. A final rule is expected by December 2007.
EtO—used as a gas for sterilization—is flammable and highly reactive. Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in symptoms such as respiratory irritation and lung injury. Chronic exposure has been associated with cancer, reproductive effects and other conditions. To reduce health risks, Ridgeview Medical Center uses hydrogen peroxide plasma instead of EtO.
Replacing Ethylene Oxide and Glutaraldehyde This fact sheet provides background information on the uses and hazards of both chemicals, describes environmentally preferable
alternatives and provides detailed case study and cost information to help your hospital evaluate alternatives to EtO and glutaraldehyde.
