Agencies issue update on ethylene oxide risk from commercial sterilizers

The Environmental Protection Agency today released a list of commercial medical device sterilizing facilities where lifetime risk from ethylene oxide emissions are highest to people who live nearby. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration released a statement highlighting how the agency is working to reduce ethylene oxide use and support innovation in medical device sterilization, while underscoring its concern about potential shortages that could result from disruptions in sterilizer operations. About half of medical devices are sterilized using ethylene oxide. The EPA will host an Aug. 10 webinar to update and hear from stakeholders as it prepares to propose an air pollution regulation next year to address ethylene oxide emissions. Register here to attend.