Sterilant/fumigant gases

Chemical disinfectants are limited in their use as air sterilants because of their irritant properties when sprayed. However, some success has been achieved with atomized propylene glycol at a concentration of 0.05-0.5 mgH and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) at 0.075% m be used. For areas which can be effectively sealed off for fumigation purposes, formaldehyde gas at a concentration of 1-2 mg H of air at a relative humidity of 80-90% is effective. 

Also known as glycol dinitrate. eth-o,len m,trat ethylene oxide orgchem 1. (CH2)20 A colorless gas, soluble in organic solvents and miscible in water, boiling point 11°C used in organic synthesis, for sterilizing, and for fumigating. 2. Also known as 1,2-epoxyethane epoxide oxirane eth-3,len ak,sTd ... 

MW 44.06 unstable, ring cleaves readily CAS [75-21-8] used as a fumigant and sterilizing agent, and in the manufacture of many glycol ethers and ethano-lamines colorless gas with ether-like odor liquefies at 10.4°C density 0.88 g/mL at 10°C vapor pressure 1095 torr at 20°C soluble in water and most organic solvents highly flammable, toxic, and severe irritant. 

Ethylene oxide is a moderately to highly toxic sweet-smelling, colorless, flammable, explosive gas used as a chemical intermediate, sterilant, and fumigant. It is a mutagen and a carcinogen to... 

Various gases and fumigants may be used for sterilization. Ethylene oxide should be used only when no other method is practicable. During process validation it should be shown that the gas has no damaging effect on the product and that the conditions and time allowed for degassing are such as to reduce any residual gas and reaction products to defined acceptable limits for the type of product or material. These limits should be incorporated into the specifications. 

Ethylene oxide also has a number of other important industrial uses, although the quantity used for such purposes is small compared to the uses mentioned above. For example, it is used as a rocket propellant because of its tendency to decompose easily with the release of large amounts of energy. It is also used as a sterilizing medium, particularly for the sterilization of surgical instruments and consumer products, such as spices and cosmetics. The compound is also used as a demulsifier in the petroleum industry. A demulsifier is a material that aids in the separation of the components of complex mixtures, like those handled in the processing of petroleum. Ethylene oxide is also used as a fumigant, which is a gas used to kill insects and other pests. 

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