Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilization is mainly used to sterilize medical and pharmaceutical products that cannot support conventional high temperature steam sterilization-such as devices that incorporate electronic components, plastic packaging or plastic containers.
http://www.eurotherm.com/industries/life-sciences/applications/eto-sterilization/
When this toxic gas is removed from the room it needs to be treated using thermal burners, scrubbers or oxidation for environmental protection or be transported to an alternate facility for treatment. EtO Sterilization process: Most EtO sterilization lines involve three different stages.
http://www.eurotherm.com/industries/life-sciences/applications/eto-sterilization/
Safety of personnel is an important issue due to the harmful effect of EtO on humans. Polluted areas need to be alarmed using gas detectors set up at different locations to monitor any leak. Visual and audio alarm systems need to be provided. The system must inform any operator when a sterilization cell contains EtO.
http://www.eurotherm.com/industries/life-sciences/applications/eto-sterilization/
1 Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. 2  May harm the nervous system. 3  In severe cases, symptoms may include muscle weakness, loss of feeling or prickly sensation in the hands, feet, arms or legs, clumsiness and paralysis.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/ethylene_oxide.html
1 Can cause severe irritation of the nose and throat. 2  Can harm the nervous system. 3  Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. 4  A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness. 5  Skin Contact: CORROSIVE. 6  The gas irritates the skin.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/ethylene_oxide.html
1 Permanent eye damage or blindness can result. 2  Ingestion: Not a relevant route of exposure (gas). 3  Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. 4  May harm the nervous system.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/ethylene_oxide.html
EtO gas infiltrates packages as well as products themselves to kill micro organisms that are left during production or packaging processes. This gas, mixed with air at a ratio of at least 3% EtO gas, forms an explosive mixture. Pure EtO gas boiling point is 10.73 ºC at atmospheric pressure. Most of the time, it is mixed with Nitrogen or CO2. This explosive condition requires Intrinsic Safe material (ATEX) zoning, for security of people as well as security of the process itself.
http://www.eurotherm.com/industries/life-sciences/applications/eto-sterilization/
1 Inhalation: VERY TOXIC. 2  Can cause severe irritation of the nose and throat. 3  Can harm the nervous system. 4  Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. 5  A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness. 6  Skin Contact: CORROSIVE.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/ethylene_oxide.html
Ethylene oxide is toxic because it alkylates tissue constituents; it is carcinogenic and may produce adverse reproductive effects. Inhalation may cause nausea, vomiting, and neurological disorders, and severe exposure may be fatal.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Ethylene+oxide
ethylene oxide a gaseous, flammable alkylating agent with a broad spectrum of activity, capable of killing both spores and viruses; it must be mixed with CO 2 or fluorocarbons because it is explosive above 3 per cent.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Ethylene+oxide
what is ethylene oxide
Ethylene oxide is a sterilize medical and pharmaceutical products that cannot support conventional high temperature steam sterilization-such as devices that incorporate electronic components, plastic packaging or plastic containers.