Gas Applications
According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), over 50% of all medical devices used in the United States are sterilized with EtO, equaling around 20 billion items per year. Pallets filled with thousands of medical devices are mass sterilized using EtO gas to permeate the instruments and kill any harmful bacteria. The sterilized medical devices are then loaded onto a truck or shipped to their final destination. Because of the high concentrations used throughout the sterilization operation, EtO poses a significant risk to workers both at the sterilization facility and throughout the distribution process, as EtO may continue to off-gas from the medical devices for weeks following sterilization.
Permissible Exposure Limits
Because of the exposure risks associated with EtO, occupational exposure limits and safety guidelines have been developed and are closely monitored by governing bodies.
Monitoring Solutions
ChemDAQ has been a leader in EtO monitoring solutions in the U.S. for more than 20 years. We offer patented EtO detection technology that provides unmatched accuracy and specificity at occupational safety levels. Our suite of products offers an array of solutions to keep workers safe-from sterilization to distribution facilities around the world.
Steri-Trac® Sensor
EtO detection sensors are notorious for being sensitive to other gasses. ChemDAQ’s Steri-Trac Sensor features patented filter technology that prevents cross interference from other factors, such as alcohols and carbon monoxide, to ensure accurate readings of EtO vapor. It can also be used in intrinsically safe applications and is available for Oxygen (O₂) and Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) applications.
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Steri-Trac® Series
ChemDAQ’s Steri-Trac 2 area monitor continuously and simultaneously measures EtO vapor levels in the air. This fixed monitoring system can be installed at multiple points throughout the facility to keep workers safe around-the-clock and alert you if and when hazardous vapor levels occur.
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Sensor Communication Interface (SCI™)
The SCI is a multi-configurable monitoring solution to accurately and reliably detect vapors throughout your facility and communicate readings to a compatible data system for enhanced connectivity.
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Need help determining which monitoring system best fits your needs? We can help!
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Browse the Other Industries We Serve
Healthcare
Hospitals rely on
H₂O₂
,
PAA
and
EtO
to sterilize medical instruments needed in patient care. This essential task requires workers to employ high concentrations in Sterile Processing Departments, placing them at risk of exposure.
Food & Beverage Packaging
H₂O₂
and
PAA
are used in high concentrations and in large quantities through aseptic packaging operations to ensure the safe production and extended shelf life of common food and beverage products.
Protein Processing
PAA
is used in poultry and meat processing.
PAA
is distributed to various areas of the processing plant to kill harmful bacteria on meat and surfaces to meet USDA food safety guidelines.
Supply Chain Logistics
Medical devices that are sterilized with
EtO
and then shipped to their final destination may continue to off-gas for days. During transport,
EtO
accumulates in trucks and continues to off-gas once held in storage facilities, accumulating emissions that can often exceed OSHA's permissible exposure limit.