EPA Issues Emission Standards for Hospital Sterilizers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has implemented national emissions standards for ethylene oxide sterilizers, which are used by hospitals to sterilize medical devices.

Contained in a final rule effective Dec. 28, 2007, the standards generally require hospital ethylene oxide sterilization facilities to sterilize full loads of items to reduce hazardous emissions.

Exceptions include when a central services staff member, a hospital administrator or physician on duty determines that a less than full load is medically necessary or the sterilizer has an acceptable air-pollution-control device.

To review the final rule, visit the American Hospital Association web site.