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Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide (EtO)

  • National Public Webinar on Ethylene Oxide Risks

    Learn about specific commercial sterilization facilities where lifetime risk levels are the highest to people who live nearby.

    Watch a recording of the national webinar hosted by EPA

  • EPA is taking steps to address emissions of ethylene oxide from some types of industrial facilities across the country.

    EtO Explained

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas used to make other chemicals that are used in making a range of products, including antifreeze, textiles, plastics, detergents and adhesives. Ethylene oxide also is used to sterilize equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam, such as medical equipment. EPA is committed to reducing risks from ethylene oxide. 

Learn About EtO

  • Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Explained
    • Our Current Understanding
    • What EPA is Doing to Address EtO
    • Where to Learn More
  • EtO Risk from Commercial Sterilizers
    • Locations with Elevated Risk

Ethylene Oxide Outreach

  • Watch a recording of the August 10, 2022 national public webinar
  • Read the Ethylene Oxide fact sheet
  • Frequent Questions about Ethylene Oxide (EtO)

Agency Resources

  • Integrated Risk Information System: EtO Assessment
  • Registration Review: Ethylene Oxide as a Pesticide
  • Inspector General Follow-up on Ethylene Oxide

Explore EtO Data

  • Air Toxics Screening Assessment
  • Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Ethylene Oxide Releases Trends

Sign up for EtO updates

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Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on September 12, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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