EPA Limits Ethylene Oxide Emissions Levels for Commercial Sterilization Facilities by 90%

Effective April 5, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency set new standards for commercial sterilization facilities’ emissions of ethylene oxide, a potent carcinogenic chemical used to sterilize medical devices.  The rule is designed to reduce emissions from certain sterilization chamber vents, aeration room vents, chamber exhaust vents, and room air emissions at commercial sterilization facilities.