What Are the Dangers of Gas Sterilizers?

Sterilization of medical instruments is vital to the healthcare industry. It stops the spread of disease, averts infection and avoids other health risks. Most medical equipment is unaffected by heat and moisture, so it can be sterilized using steam heat. Some medical equipment gets damaged and is left unusable when exposed to heat or moisture. When medical equipment is heat or moisture sensitive, medical professionals use chemical sterilants and gas sterilants in place of steam and heat.



Ethylene oxide, or EtO, is the most popular choice for gas sterilization. It penetrates into medical instrument sterilization packages and is compatible with most medical device materials. It is highly effective at sterilizing instruments. It is also dangerous. Ethylene oxide is toxic to humans and a known carcinogen.

Toxic and Carcinogenic

• Ethylene oxide is a very effective sterilant. It is designed to kill all life and does not differentiate between life inside or outside of the sterilizer. The gas can be released due to human error, mechanical failure or poor equipment installation. If the gas is released into the air, it is toxic to humans in low concentrations. Inhalation causes headaches, nausea, respiratory distress and skin inflammation. EtO is a known human carcinogen. A high level of inhalation causes cancers, chromosomal alteration and reproductive issues. Regular testing for sterilizer safety is essential to avoid potential health risks.

Flammable

• EtO is highly flammable. Even when operators follow all gas sterilization procedures, machines can fail and leak. The EtO solution used in sterilizers can be ignited by a static charge. Splashing or agitation of the solution can build up a static charge. Explosive decomposition can also occur. When mixed with air, EtO gas has an extremely low minimum ignition energy and ignites easily. Keep gas sterilization machines and the EtO supply in an area away from potential ignition hazards for safety.

Poor Odor Warning

• You can smell EtO gas. The human sense of smell will not detect the odor from EtO until the level of gas in the room has reached toxic levels. The odor threshold, or point at which you can smell the gas, is more than 400 times the level that will cause cancer and reproductive issues. By the time you smell the gas, it has already reached levels in you system that can cause major health issues.

Contains Chlorofluorocarbons

• EtO contains CFCs. EtO is extremely flammable as a standalone gas. To reduce flammability and make it safer to use in a medical environment, manufacturers of EtO often add chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, to the gas. CFCs damage the ozone layer of Earth's atmosphere. The ozone layer helps protect people from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Using EtO can be harmful to the Earth's environment.