Due to high filter prices and low melting point of the glue that holds them together, we have started investigating benchtop ethylene oxide sterilizers. One such unit we are looking at uses bags and ETO ampoules to limit the amount of total ethylene oxide exposure to below OSHA action limit of .5 ppm (8 hr TWA). It will be well below that according to the company that makes it.

I’m researching and trying to understand as much as I can about these units, but could use your help. OSHA has issued a good guidance document for their ETO Standard; however, I am also concerned about the limits on emissions. The information I tend to be finding has mostly pertained to large hospital-type units.

Does anyone have any experience with these or similar units? Are there any pitfalls that I should avoid? I would also accept any recommendations for small scale, low-temp sterilization that don’t involve ETO (as long as they don’t involve something worse).

Thank you,

Brady P. Arnold

barnold**At_Symbol_Here**xenotechllc.com