Citation:

Kariher, P. Status of Ethylene Oxide Source Measurements. National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, August 22 - 25, 2022.

Impact/Purpose:

The ability to measure ethylene oxide (EtO) air emissions from industrial uses, chemical manufacturing, and medical device sterilizer sources is critical need, largely driven by States, Regions, and Program Offices to address existing and emerging EtO emission issues. To support the States, Regions and Program Offices, ORD is providing emissions measurement guidance and expertise as well as conducting research to develop and evaluate emissions measurement methods for measuring and characterizing EtO from emissions from known sources. This presentation will cover ORD air emissions measurement methods development activities and research which falls under EPA ORD’s EtO research program.

Description:

Air emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) from a variety of industrial sources is now recognized as a significant route of exposure to the environment, workers, and surrounding communities.  The measurement of EtO and the quality of these measurements must be determined for regulatory purposes.  Methods for the measurement of EtO can be assessed through traceable gas cylinder standards.  EPA will need Method ready gas standards for CEM certification systems for regulatory use. These gases will be needed for chemical facility and sterilization facility performance testing. Understanding the accuracy and stability of these standards are critical to making measurements of known quality. ORD has been asked provide guidance to these testing efforts and is conducting research to develop and evaluate formal methods that can be used to conduct comprehensive EtO source emissions testing. Ultimately, these methods are needed to support the states and regions as well as inform regulatory offices.

Record Details: