Healthcare

Peracetic Acid (PAA), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and Ethylene Oxide (EtO) are used in the sterilization processes at hospitals around the world. These gasses kill harmful bacteria and ensure the medical equipment used throughout day-to-day patient care is safe. Oftentimes, healthcare workers in sterile processing units are exposed to high concentrations of these toxic gasses. A continuous monitoring system is an effective way to keep these dedicated workers safe and lifesaving medical care ongoing.


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Applications

Hospitals rely on H2O2 , PAA, and EtO to sterilize medical instruments needed in patient care–-from endoscopes to surgical equipment. These gases are often used to sterilize instruments that are sensitive to the heat or moisture found in steam-based sterilizers. The essential sterilization of medical instruments requires workers to employ high concentrations of these gasses in the sterilization machines to ensure their effective use. Such high concentrations can result in hazardous gas vapors escaping the machines, placing sterile processing workers’ health and safety at risk.

Permissible Exposure Limits

Because of the exposure risks associated with H2O2 , PAA, and EtO, occupational exposure limits and safety guidelines have been developed and are closely monitored by governing bodies.

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Monitoring Solutions

 The high concentrations of H2O2, PAA, and EtO used throughout sterile processing departments merits the implementation of a chemical vapor monitoring system to provide real-time vapor readings and alert sterile processing workers if and when their environment becomes unsafe.

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E-Cell Sensor

The E-Cell sensor features ChemDAQ’s proprietary Spot-On™ filter technology to reduce interference and precisely measure chemical vapor levels for ​PAA and H2O2. Unlike other suppliers, ChemDAQ’s sensors are calibrated with PAA and H2O2 test gas to ensure top safety and performance.

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SafeCide™ Series

Quickly and easily detect hazardous areas with the SafeCide series, a portable monitoring system to provide real-time measurements of ​PAA and H2O2 in the department and easily identify hot spots and leaks.

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Steri-Trac® Series

ChemDAQ’s Steri-Trac 2 area monitor connects to air handling systems to control both ventilation and air extraction based on H2O2, PAA, and EtO exposure levels. This fixed monitoring system can also be installed near your sterilizers to keep workers safe around-the-clock and alert you if and when hazardous vapor levels occur.

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Browse the Other Industries We Serve

Food & Beverage Packaging

H2O2 and PAA are used in high concentrations and in large quantities through aseptic packaging operations to ensure the safe production and extended shelf life of common food and beverage products.

Medical Device

More than 50% of all medical devices used in the U.S. are sterilized with EtO. While an effective sterilizing agent, EtO is known to produce harmful gas vapors and off-gas from sterilized units, putting workers at risk of exposure.

Protein Processing

PAA is used in poultry and meat processing. PAA is distributed to various areas of the processing plant to kill harmful bacteria on meat and surfaces to meet USDA food safety guidelines.

Supply Chain Logistics

Medical devices sterilized with EtO are then shipped to their final destination and may continue to off-gas for days. During transport, EtO accumulates in trucks and continues to off-gas once held in storage facilities, accumulating emissions that can often exceed OSHA's permissible exposure limit. 


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