Katsuya Yahata^(1)
(1)University of Occupational and Environmental Health - Kitakyushu. Japan

	[Hygiene, Public Health & Preventive Medicine]	[Occupational Health]

INTRODUCTION

Ethylene oxide (hereafter referred to as EO) is a typical chemical substance for gas sterilization and it is widely used in medical institutions. EO sterilization is applied to tubes, plastic devices, and linens, which are not suited for heat sterilization.

Because of its flammable, explosive and irritative natures, EO gas needs careful handling and management. It was also found to be carcinogenic, and IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) classified it as Group 1 carcinogenic to human⁽¹⁾. In 1977, AHA (American Hospital Association) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) carried out a survey on how EO was utilized in medical institutions in the U.S. As a result, it was suggested that about 75000 sterilization workers could be exposed to EO and, including other medical workers, EO exposure could influence over about 100,000 workers⁽²⁾.

In this study, we conducted a survey of current EO management and its problems through questionnaires in collaboration with the medical institutions of a certain Japanese ordinance-designated city and the results are reported here.

Discussion Board

Any Comment to this presentation?

[ABSTRACT] [INTRODUCTION] [MATERIAL & METHODS] [RESULTS] [TABLES] [TABLES-2] [DISCUSSION] [CONCLUSIONS] [BIBLIOGRAPHY] [Discussion Board]

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	[Hygiene, Public Health & Preventive Medicine]	[Occupational Health]

Katsuya Yahata
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Last update: 13/01/00