Industry-wide studies report of an industrial-hygiene survey at the Middletown Regional Hospital, Middletown, Ohio. [Ethylene oxide]

An in-depth industrial hygiene survey was conducted in the Central Services (CS) area of the Middletown Regional Hospital, Middletown, Ohio, on August 6-8, 1985. The survey was conducted to evaluate the occupational exposure of workers to ethylene oxide (EtO). EtO is used to sterilize heat-sensitive medical supplies, and exposure to EtO may occur during the sterilization process. Recommendations concerning work practices and installation of engineering controls are offered which could reduce EtO exposure potential in the hospital.