What is sterilization with EO?

Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Based on a gas diffusion process, Ethylene Oxide (EO or ETO) is capable of sterilizing and rendering products free of viable microorganisms. Sterility occurs when an EO gas molecule reacts with and destroys the microbial DNA.

What is EO gas used for?

Ethylene Oxide (EtO or EO) is a colorless gas used commercially in a wide variety of ways, including the production of textiles, personal care items, and the sterilization of medical devices, cosmetics, and spices.

Is EO gas sterilization safe?

Exposure to ETO can cause eye pain, sore throat, difficulty breathing and blurred vision. Exposure can also cause dizziness, nausea, headache, convulsions, blisters and vomiting and coughing. In a variety of in vitro and animal studies, ETO has been demonstrated to be carcinogenic.

What is EO packaging?

EO, short for ethylene oxide gas, is the most common sterilization method used in the medical device industry. It accounts for more than half of all sterilized medical devices. EO is a harsh gas that penetrates the packaging and renders the device sterile.

Is EO harmful to humans?

Chronic (long-term) exposure to ethylene oxide in humans can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage to the brain and nervous system. There also is some evidence linking ethylene oxide exposure to reproductive effects.

How long has EO been used for sterilization?

40 years
Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilizers have been used by hospitals for over 40 years to sterilize surgical equipment and supplies that are heat sensitive or that cannot tolerate excessive moisture.

How long has EO been used to sterilize?

160 years ago
Since the inception of its use as an insecticide 160 years ago, Ethylene Oxide (EO) has been used within industry across a spectrum of applications, ranging from the manufacture of anti- freeze to the sterilization of medical devices.

What does EO do to humans?

Ethylene oxide (C₂H₄O) is a flammable gas with a somewhat sweet odor. Exposure to ethylene oxide may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, drowsiness, weakness, exhaustion, eye and skin burns, frostbite, and reproductive effects. Workers may be harmed from exposure to ethylene oxide.

How long has EO sterilization been used?

What does EO stand for?

Ethylene oxide (also known as EO or EtO) is a low temperature gaseous process widely used to sterilize a variety of healthcare products, such as single-use medical devices.

What cancers does ethylene oxide cause?

Lymphoma and leukemia are the cancers most frequently reported to be associated with occupational exposure to ethylene oxide. Stomach and breast cancers may also be associated with ethylene oxide exposure.

Why is EtO harmful?

Both human and animal studies show that EtO is a carcinogen that may cause leukemia and other cancers. EtO is also linked to spontaneous abortion, genetic damage, nerve damage, peripheral paralysis, muscle weakness, as well as impaired thinking and memory.

What is full name of EO?

Executive Order No. 2, s. 2016 | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.

Is ethylene harmful to humans?

* Ethylene gas can affect you when breathed in. * Skin contact with liquid Ethylene can cause frostbite. * Exposure to Ethylene can cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, confusion and unconsciousness. * Ethylene is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE chemical and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD.

What are the 3 methods of sterilization?

Types of Sterilization

  • Steam Sterilization.
  • Dry Heat Sterilization.
  • Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilization.

What are 4 sterilization methods?

4 Main Methods of Sterilization | Organisms | Microbiology

  • Physical Methods:
  • Radiation Method:
  • Ultrasonic Method:
  • Chemical Method: