EPA Proposes Methods to Reduce Ethylene Oxide Exposure
Written By: Atanu Das on Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Used to manufacture chemicals and sterilize medical equipment, Ethylene Oxide is a colorless and odorless gas is known to cause blood and breast cancers. Working in coordination with the FDC, OSHA and CDC, the EPA is looking for alternatives.
On the agency website the agency offers these proposals:
- Reducing EtO Emissions from Chemical Plants: On April 6, 2023, EPA announced a proposal under the Clean Air Act that would update several rules that apply to plants that make synthetic organic chemicals and plants that make a variety of polymers and resins. One of those rules is “the HON,” which is shorthand for Hazardous Organic NESHAP. EPA’s proposal would reduce 6,053 tons of air toxics per year, including EtO, chloroprene, hexane, benzene, methanol, 1,3-butadiene, and vinyl acetate, among others. Once the final rule is fully implemented, it would reduce 58 tons of EtO per year. That’s a 63 percent reduction compared to nationwide estimated EtO emissions from all sources in 2020.
- Reducing EtO Emissions from Commercial Sterilizers: On April 11, 2023, EPA proposed to strengthen emission standards for the 86 commercial sterilizers that are currently operating across the country as well as for new sterilizers. These requirements, if finalized, will reduce the amount of EtO that comes out of commercial sterilizers by 80 percent and will reduce risk in nearby communities to levels below the Clean Air Act benchmark for elevated risk.
- Reducing Risk to Workers in the Sterilization Industry: On April 11, 2023, EPA proposed a broad set of new protections under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that will reduce risk for all workers who use EtO to sterilize things and for others who work, live, or go to school near sterilization facilities.