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Frequently Asked Questions
Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas commonly used to sterilize medical and pharmaceutical products that cannot be sterilized by steam or high-temperature methods.
EO sterilization involves exposing products to a mixture of ethylene oxide gas and other gases at controlled temperatures and humidity levels. The gas penetrates packaging materials and kills microorganisms by disrupting their cellular proteins and DNA.
Medical devices, surgical instruments, pharmaceutical products, and certain types of food products are commonly sterilized using ethylene oxide.
EO is effective in sterilizing heat-sensitive materials and products that may be damaged by other sterilization methods like steam or high heat.
Ethylene oxide is highly flammable and poses a potential health risk to workers. Strict safety measures must be followed to ensure proper handling and ventilation during the sterilization process.
Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), provide guidelines and standards for the use of ethylene oxide in sterilization processes.
While steam sterilization is a common alternative, ethylene oxide remains a preferred method for certain materials and products due to its ability to sterilize without heat.
The duration of the sterilization process varies depending on factors such as the type and size of the product, the required level of sterilization, and the equipment used. It typically ranges from a few hours to a day.
Ethylene oxide is versatile and can be used for both terminal sterilization and pre-sterilization of products, depending on the specific requirements of the materials and the sterilization process.
Ethylene oxide is considered a hazardous air pollutant, and its use is subject to environmental regulations. Efforts are made to minimize emissions and ensure safe disposal of ethylene oxide residues.