The EPA is counting on Permanent Total Enclosures to contain ethylene oxide emissions from sterilization plants, but experts warn the technology may not work at the required scale.
In short:
- PTEs are effective in small, controlled environments but may fail in large sterilization facilities.
- Critics argue that using PTEs to control ethylene oxide emissions in these settings is unproven and risky.
- The EPA insists PTEs can work if designed and operated correctly, though monitoring limitations raise concerns.
Key quote:
“EPA has not one shred of engineering analysis to show it will work.”
— Ron Sahu, mechanical engineer and consultant.
Why this matters:
Ethylene oxide is a highly toxic chemical linked to cancer, and failure to contain its emissions could have severe health impacts on communities near sterilization facilities.
Related: US manufacturers persist in use of cancer-causing ethylene oxide despite bans abroad
