--Recent work finds that EPA's exclusive reliance on the NIOSH cohort to estimate EO cancer potency and risk should be examined. For additional information view the article, "Reevaluation of Historical Exposures to Ethylene Oxide Among U.S. Sterilization Workers" in the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Study Cohort published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
--Serious flaws with recent regulatory activity! Click here for additional information, including:
--EOSA's position statement, which outlines the serious flaws with the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment as well as other recently published federal reports.
--Results of testing for background EO levels in the air, throughout the Chicagoland area.
--EOSA's letter to the Illinois Attorney General, in response to recent calls for shutdown of Willowbrook EO sterilization facility.
--Position Statement on the Use of Ethylene Oxide to Sterilize Duodenoscopes -- May 20, 2016
The Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Association, Inc. (EOSA) would like to communicate the best practices regarding health care facilities that are successfully using ethylene oxide (EO) to sterilize duodenoscopes for use in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures.
--Ethylene Oxide Registration Review is in process. View the docket here.
--The Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment has been issued for Ethylene Oxide. View the IRIS document here.
--Clarification on EO Sterilants Use
Over the past several years, EOSA has periodically received inquiries regarding a rumored Ethylene Oxide phase-out. To be clear, ethylene oxide sterilants are NOT being phased out!! EOSA has created an informational document to address this issue - please click here to see it. We believe these rumors may be related to announcements in recent years regarding non-flammable ethylene oxide / HCFC sterilant blends (Oxyfume). Oxyfume products are no longer being sold, and complete phase-out was mandated as of January, 2015. Many hospitals have converted to 100% EO sterilzation, which requires installing a new 100% EO sterilizer. EO sterilants are NOT being phased out - HCFC blends are being phased out. Click here to learn more about the phaseout of HCFC blends.