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Ethylene Oxide |
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Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory
irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness
of breath, and cyanosis. Chronic exposure has been associated with the occurrence
of cancer, reproductive effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and sensitization.
The following references aid in preventing and controlling exposures to ethylene
oxide.
- NIOSH
Notes Safeguards to Prevent Explosion Risk in Industrial Ethylene Oxide
Sterilization Processes. National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH), (2000, May 11). Provides
information about explosion risks associated with ethylene oxide sterilization
processes and what can be done to eliminate these risks.
- Preventing
Worker Injuries and Deaths from Explosions in Industrial Ethylene Oxide
Sterilization Facilities. US Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2000-119, (2000, April).
Provides steps for employers and employees to prevent
ethylene oxide (EtO) explosions.
- OSHA
Technical Manual (OTM). OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A],
(1999, January 20).
- Chemical
Protective Clothing. Provides
guidelines for the use of chemical protective clothing;
ethylene oxide is specifically mentioned in portions
of the document.
- Ethylene
Oxide. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Safety and Health Topic.
- Control
Technology for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization in Hospitals. US
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication
No. 89-120, (1989, September).
- Subpart O - Ethylene
Oxide Commercial Sterilization Plant Explosions. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), (1997, July 29). Describes
the extension of emission control requirements for ethylene oxide facilities
under 40
CFR Part 63 due to explosions at ethylene oxide sterilization facilities.
These incidents are being investigated to determine if emission control
equipment is associated with the explosions.
- Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
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