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The Regulatory and Recommending Associations and Agencies in the Industry

Common Industry Terminology

Assessing Hydrogen Vapor Exposure from Hospital Sterilization

Peracetic Acid (PAA) has seen an onslaught of attention as it continues to sweep into new markets and used for new applications. Because PAA is an excellent anti-microbial and leaves no harmful residues, it is the chemical of choice in healthcare, vegetable & fruit processing, beef & poultry processing, aseptic packaging & filling and water treatment. However, the high reactivity of PAA that underlies its benefits also means that excessive exposure to the vapor can be harmful and cause health issues to those that are exposed. The debate of course lies around what constitutes excessive exposure?

Peracetic Acid (PAA) is a strong oxidant and highly reactive leaving no harmful residues, and is considered environmentally friendly. However, because of PAA’s high reactivity, it is potentially hazardous to anyone who is exposed to its vapors.

Peracetic Acid in the healthcare industry.

What concentration of peracetic acid (PAA) vapor will cause people to start to experience irritation and to complain? This report provides a summary of the available literature to answer this question.

Chemical sterilizers should not leak toxic vapors, but sometimes they do.

Hydrogen Peroxide - Material Safety Data Sheet

Sterilization is of vital importance in healthcare and while steam and heat provide reliable service for the majority of medical supplies, chemical sterilants and especially gas sterilants are the main methods used for those medical devices and supplies which are heat- and moisture-sensitive.

Peracetic acid (PAA), also known as peroxyacetic acid is widely used in healthcare, food preparation and food and beverage packaging among other industries as a disinfectant
and liquid sterilant. PAA is a strong oxidant and primary irritant and as with all chemical sterilants, there is a risk of occupational exposure.

A letter from Congress expressing their concerns regarding Peracetic Acid (PAA) and worker safety.

Hydrogen Peroxide Regulations - U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration