Biomaterial Database

Dermatologic hazards from ethylene oxide. 1977

J S Taylor

The more recent application of ethylene oxide as a gas sterilizing agent for medical supplies has introduced new problems for this old chemical. Not only is ethylene oxide a potent skin irritant but also delayed hypersensitivity and immediate hypersensitivity have been reported, In this article, chemical properties of this agent and sources of industrial exposure are discussed, and the literature regarding ethylene oxide dermatitis is reviewed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009783	Dermatitis, Occupational	A recurrent contact dermatitis caused by substances found in the work place.	Occupational Dermatitis,Dermatosis, Industrial,Industrial Dermatosis,Dermatitides, Occupational,Dermatoses, Industrial,Industrial Dermatoses,Occupational Dermatitides
D002057	Burns, Chemical	Burns caused by contact with or exposure to CAUSTICS or strong ACIDS.	Chemical Burns,Burn, Chemical,Chemical Burn
D004865	Equipment and Supplies, Hospital	Any materials used in providing care specifically in the hospital.	Hospital Equipment and Supplies,Equipment, Hospital,Hospital Equipment,Hospital Supplies,Supplies, Hospital,Supply, Hospital,Hospital Supply
D005027	Ethylene Oxide	A colorless and flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. Ethylene oxide is a bactericidal, fungicidal, and sporicidal disinfectant. It is effective against most micro-organisms, including viruses. It is used as a fumigant for foodstuffs and textiles and as an agent for the gaseous sterilization of heat-labile pharmaceutical and surgical materials. (From Reynolds, Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p794)	Oxirane,Oxide, Ethylene
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013242	Sterilization	The destroying of all forms of life, especially microorganisms, by heat, chemical, or other means.