Ethylene oxide (EtO) serves various industrial purposes, notably medical equipment sterilization, but its carcinogenic and environmental risks demand rigorous pollution control. Addressing EtO pollution necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving stringent regulations, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts across commercial sterilization facilities and chemical plants.
According to recent scientific studies, EtO is a more dangerous carcinogen than previously thought. Results from the latest National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) have made EtO an increased focus of concern for the EPA, state regulators and worldwide regulatory authorities.
This understandably makes sterilization companies concerned about the safety of employees and the community. In a number of instances, the traditional abatement technologies cannot meet the new EtO destruction requirements.
In the United States, the selected air pollution control device must be in compliance with NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) regulations that dictate more than 99% destruction efficiency of EtO (Ethylene Oxide), or concentration levels which are less than one part-per-million by volume.