Thursday, July 30, 2009
OSHA issues ethylene oxide monitoring guide
A new guidance document from OSHA is intended to help small businesses understand the ethylene oxide standard and how to monitor air quality where the gas may be found.
Ethylene oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause respiratory irritation in the short term or cancer in the long term, according to the document (large .pdf file).
The guidance details OSHA's compliance requirements for the standard, various types of exposure monitoring, permissible exposure limits, and exposure reduction and prevention.
In addition to its wide use in hospitals as a sterilizing agent, ethylene oxide also is found in antifreeze, detergents, adhesives and spices, according to OSHA.
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