title: Considerations when using ethylene oxide for the sterilization of medical devices.
abstract: Of all the alternative sterilization methods available, it is ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization that arouses most concern.  EtO, whether used on its own or mixed with CFCs, has potentially harmful effects both to the environment and the body.  However, with adequate attention to the standards that will control EtO sterilization, its future should be relatively certain for a good few years to come.
authors.affiliation: Abbott Ireland Ltd., Sligo, Ireland.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dorman-Smith
mesh_terms: D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005027:Ethylene Oxide; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*