What is a potential drawback of ethylene oxide sterilization?

Ethylene oxide sterilization is widely used because it effectively sterilizes heat-sensitive medical equipment and devices. However, one of its significant drawbacks is that it involves the use of hazardous gases. Ethylene oxide itself is toxic and flammable, posing risks to both personnel who operate the sterilization process and to the environment. Proper safety precautions and monitoring must be implemented to prevent exposure, making the handling and application of this method more complicated than other sterilization techniques.

While other points may touch on the effects of this sterilization method, they do not capture the inherent danger associated with the use of ethylene oxide as a gas. The necessity for stringent safety measures when using this gas emphasizes why this characteristic is a notable drawback in its application.