2. EPA moves closer to stricter regulation of medtech ethylene oxide sterilization
The EPA is requesting comment on available control technologies for reducing EtO emissions and on developments in practices, measurement, monitoring, processes and control technologies for the sterilant. With EtO currently the major method for sterilizing plastic medical device parts — and implementation of alternatives potentially years away — medical device companies could potentially face major extra costs going forward. Communities across the country have become alarmed over local sterilization plants using carcinogenic EtO.