What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of ethylene oxide (EtO) averaged over an 8-hour workday?

The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for ethylene oxide (EtO), averaged over an 8-hour workday, as established by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), is 1 part per million (ppm). The PEL is the maximum concentration of a substance that most workers can be exposed to during an 8-hour workday without experiencing adverse health effects. EtO is a gas used to sterilize medical equipment and supplies and is a known carcinogen. In addition to the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) PEL of 1 ppm, OSHA also has a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for EtO of 5 ppm, which is the maximum concentration allowed during a 15-minute period. Employers are required to implement engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment to minimize worker exposure to EtO and ensure that the PEL and STEL are not exceeded. Monitoring worker exposure and providing medical surveillance are also required by OSHA regulations when EtO is used.