AAMI ST58 Mythbusters: Part 2

Last summer, ChemDAQ released Part One of our AAMI ST58 Mythbusters series, breaking down common myths surrounding chemical sterilization and high-level disinfection.

In Part Two, we’re back to debunk even more misconceptions and provide clarity on how AAMI ST58 impacts everyday practices in sterile processing.

Myth #1: PAA exposure limits only matter for those mixing chemicals.
Busted: Exposure risks exist wherever PAA and H2O2 are used, including areas where sterilization and disinfection occur. ST58 emphasizes continuous air monitoring to ensure safe levels throughout the workspace, not just at the point of dilution.

Myth #2: Once the sterilizer is closed, there’s no chance of exposure.

Busted: PAA and H2O2 can leak during loading, unloading, or maintenance. ST58 recommends ventilation and monitoring, even during routine handling, to protect staff from residual vapors.

Myth #3: If it smells strong, just air it out.
Busted: Relying on odor is unreliable and unsafe. PAA and H2O2 can be harmful even below their odor threshold. ST58 promotes quantitative monitoring to verify air quality, rather than relying on guesswork.

Myth #4: ST58 only applies to machines using H2O2.
Busted: The standard covers all chemical sterilants and high-level disinfectants, including hydrogen peroxide, glutaraldehyde, ethylene oxide, and peracetic acid, and provides guidance on risk assessment and employee safety for all.

Myth #5: Short-term exposure doesn’t matter.
Busted: Even brief overexposure can cause respiratory or eye irritation. ST58 and OSHA both stress maintaining airborne concentrations below short-term exposure limits at all times.

Myth #6: Training once a year is enough.
Busted: ST58 recommends ongoing competency verification, not just annual refreshers, to ensure staff understand updated safety procedures, new equipment, and the risks associated with chemicals.

Myth #7: If I use ventilation, I don’t need gas monitoring.
Busted: Ventilation helps, but it doesn’t guarantee safety. Continuous monitoring provides data-driven assurance that ventilation is adequate and exposures remain below safe limits.

Myth #8: Only sterile processing departments are affected.
Busted: ST58 applies to any area using chemical sterilants or disinfectants, including endoscopy, central sterile processing, and even off-site reprocessing facilities.

Want to learn more about AAMI ST58? Join us this February for the ChemDAQ and ASSI Roundtable — an educational panel event focused on air quality, chemical exposure, and safety in sterile processing. Featuring leading Sterile Processing Educators, this session builds on the momentum of our popular AAMI ST58 webinar, “Clearing the Air,” from September 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts, gain practical insights, and continue advancing SPD safety and education alongside trusted leaders in the field.

Click here to register,  https://chemdaq.com/aami-st58-round-table-sign.