What type of sterilization method uses ethylene oxide?

Ethylene oxide sterilizers are used to sterilize heat- and moisture- sensitive devices that would be damaged by pure steam or liquid chemical sterilization, including most plastic or rubber products (e.g., catheters, resuscitation bags, anesthesia masks, most fiberoptic instruments), as well as non-heat-sensitive …

What is EtO sterilization process?

EtO Sterilization is a low-temperature process (typically between 37 and 63°C) that uses Ethylene Oxide gas to reduce the level of infectious agents. EtO is used in gas form and is usually mixed with other substances, such as CO2 or steam.

How is ethylene oxide produced?

Ethylene oxide can be produced by reacting oxygen (O2) and ethylene (C2H4) at temperatures of 200 – 300°C and pressures of 10 – 20 bara. The typical yield of this reaction is up to 80 – 90%.

How is ethylene oxide used?

Consumer Applications. Most ethylene oxide is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals used to manufacture products, such as fabrics for clothes, upholstery, carpet and pillows. It is used to produce ethylene glycols for engine antifreeze that keeps our automobiles performing.

What is gamma radiation sterilization?

Gamma irradiation is a physical/chemical means of sterilization, because it kills bacteria by breaking down bacterial DNA, inhibiting bacterial division. Energy of gamma rays passes through the equipment, disrupting the pathogens that cause contamination.

How does electron beam sterilization work?

In electron beam sterilization, boxes of medical devices are put on a conveyor in a single layer. Harmful microorganisms are completely inactivated with minimal effect on the medical devices. As the electrons penetrate the products, the radiation dose diminishes so less radiation leaves the box then entered.

Does ethylene oxide occur naturally?

Ethylene oxide is present in the environment and is created by various sources, including plants and cooking oils. The human body also creates ethylene oxide. Exposure to ethylene oxide varies across urban, suburban and rural environments.

Where is ethylene oxide found?

EtO is found in the production of solvents, antifreeze, textiles, detergents, adhesives, polyurethane foam, and pharmaceuticals. Smaller amounts are present in fumigants, sterilants for spices and cosmetics, as well as during hospital sterilization of surgical equipment. How can ethylene oxide harm workers?

What is ethylene used for?

Ethylene is used in the production of fabricated plastics, antifreeze; making fibers; to manufacture ethylene oxide, polyethylene for plastics, alcohol, mustard gas, and other organics.

What is ethylene oxide used for in food?

Ethylene oxide is used in the dried fruit industry to stop microbial spoilage in prunes and, presumably, these treatments are also insecticidal. Ethylene oxide has been used for over 40 years for both insecticidal treatments and for the sterilization of foodstuffs.

What are the industrial uses of ethylene oxide?

Uses & Benefits Consumer Applications. Most ethylene oxide is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals used to manufacture products, such as fabrics for clothes, upholstery, carpet and pillows. Medical Applications. Industrial Applications.

Can ethylene oxide ever be considered safe?

There are many sources of human exposure to ethylene oxide, including the human body itself. Human bodies evolved making ethylene oxide. At normal levels of exposure, we are safe.

What is the formula for ethylene oxide?

The formula of the chemical compound Ethylene oxide is C₂H₄O

How flammable is ethylene oxide?

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) CAS 75-21-8 Physical Hazards Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is an extremely flammable and reactive material which is a gas at room temperature. It has a flash point of -0.4oF and an extremely large flammable range of 3 to 100%. It is very water soluble and solutions of as little as 4% in water are flammable.