These agents have no effect against the tubercle bacillus and are inactivated by soaps. Partial pressure of the agent is important for microbiocidal effect. Ethylene oxide can be used to sterilize heat sensitive plastics and lensed instruments. Items must be exposed to ethylene oxide for 12 hours and then aerated. Aeration times range from several hours to weeks depending upon whether passive or mechanical aeration is used.
Aeration is required because ethylene oxide is a skin and mucous membrane irritant.
Alkylation of nucleic acids is considered the mechanism of action. All Rights Reserved.