Monografía efectividad del óxido de etileno como agente esterilizante versus su acción tóxica en el personal sanitario

Abstract

The collateral effects on the health of health personnel caused by the management of ethylene oxide as a sterilizing agent involve complications with the various systems of the human body: neurological, cardiovascular, dermatological and endocrine, respiratory, ocular systems, among others. These effects can be exacerbated by bad practice regarding the use of the specific biosecurity elements of this gas or insufficient infrastructure of the sterilization plant that uses this method. However, the healthcare institutions that have in their installed capacity a sterilization plant equipped with the equipment, pipes and all the ornamentation necessary to handle this gas, despite the contraindications to the health of the personnel it manages. In this area, they continue to use this gas as a sterilizing agent. This is why, as researchers, the question arises about the true complication of ethylene oxide as a sterilant compared to the possible complications that may be contrary to personnel, or if its sterilizing action can be replaced by another method that carries less risks for the worker.