Food and Beverage

Aseptic processing and packaging extend the shelf life of common food and beverages. To accomplish this, Peracetic Acid (PAA) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) are used primarily for their strong antimicrobial properties. Exposure to these chemical vapors during the production process can pose serious health and safety risks to workers.

Healthcare

Healthcare providers rely on high concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂), Peracetic Acid  (PAA), and Ethylene Oxide (EtO) to sterilize instruments that come into contact with patients. Used to help prevent infection in patients, workers repeatedly exposed to these sterilant vapors can lead to numerous long term health problems.

Meat Processing

To comply with USDA food safety guidelines, beef, pork and poultry producers use Peracetic Acid (PAA) to kill harmful bacteria. PAA is used extensively on product, equipment and surfaces to eliminate food borne illnesses. Regulations are in place to protect workers from exposure to unsafe levels of PAA during the production process.

Medical Device

More than 50% of all medical devices used in the U.S. are sterilized with Ethylene Oxide. Workers are potentially exposed to high concentrations of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) during the sterilization process and in warehouse storage which can lead to a variety of health and safety risks.

Logistics

While an effective sterilizing agent, Ethylene Oxide (EtO) needs a long time to off-gas. Logistics providers and warehouse workers run the risk of exceeding OSHA's permissible exposure limit for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) emissions that accumulate during transport and in storage.