Ethylene oxide

Prevention is based on the presence of premises exclusively destined to the sterilization procedures. Such rooms must be equipped with suitable ventilation systems and with autoclaves with automatical cycles of washing and outgassing, which should be in the vacuum mode when opened. The personnel must be equipped with appropriate masks and should stay in such rooms only a short time.
Environmental monitoring makes it possible to control any EtO pollution. The limit of environmental exposure for EtO is equal to 1 ppm (ACGIH).
In Italy, the Ministry of Health has established a limit of 3 ppm (regulation of 1983). The same regulation rules EtO employment.

	Ambulatories
	Diagnostic services
	Clinical wards
	Operating theatres

	Ambulatories
	Diagnostic services
	Clinical wards
	Operating theatres

Ethylene oxide