explore -WSS

explore

author：explore 2025-09-27 09:47:15 - browse：53

Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer machine. -- health tech coverage from STAT — Ethylene oxide, a chemical used to sterilize half of all medical devices in the U.S., can also cause cancer. 3M via AP

The chemical used to sterilize half of all medical devices in the United States is also known to cause cancer. After years of deliberating on alternatives, the Food and Drug Administration this month deemed a safer gas, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, a legitimate way to decontaminate devices.

It’s a small step in pushing the medical device industry away from the carcinogenic chemical, called ethylene oxide. The move comes as the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to finalize restrictions on ethylene oxide in March. Medical device manufacturers will have 18 months to comply.

Environmental activists organizing against the sterilizing facilities in their communities commend the EPA for curtailing the chemical. But they also want the FDA to more adamantly push device makers toward alternatives, which the FDA’s endorsement does not do.

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： The cancer drug shortage isn’t new — and neither are the solutions
Next article： Tome Biosciences co

knowledge

WSS

Study gives hint on South Asians’ higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Cue Health, Covid

Long Covid research funding gets a major boost from NIH

Juul documents reveal insider tactics on political lobbying

Addressing health care workers' trauma can help fight burnout

ACIP vaccine advisory panel sees its vacancies filled

leisure time

explore

hotspot

As demand for Covid shots wanes, Moderna seeks its next success

STAT Boddities: What happens to the brain when we get scared?

Anesthesiologist group: stop taking Ozempic before surgery

Cytokinetics CEO Robert Blum is on my Worst CEO shortlist again

Food as medicine: CMS rules hamper 'prescribing' of fruits, veggies

H5N1 bird flu outbreak: Second human case reported, in Michigan

The Supreme Court will review a ruling striking down a domestic violence federal gun ban

Listen: A conversation with researcher Kevin Esvelt on biosecurity

Dobbs anniversary: the lost opportunity of abortion as health care

Report cites 'urgent' need to recruit more diverse clinical trial participants

focus

Listen: More tumult at BIO & coercive care for sickle cell patients

At flashy new research hub, AstraZeneca lays out ambitious growth goals

Tome Biosciences co

Readout Newsletter: H5N1 bird flu vaccine, Cytokinetics, Gilead

Readout Newsletter: Amylyx, Aurinia, and IQVIA

Biogen joins immunology wave with $1.15 billion acquisition of HI

hotspot

knowledge

knowledge

Wikipedia