EPA Final Rule Limits Use Of Ethylene Oxide

The rule, which requires most device sterilization plants to track and report their EtO emissions, will go into effect in two years for the largest plants and three years for the smallest.

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) in white plastic laboratory packaging
• Source: Shutterstock

A final rule from the US Environmental Protection Agency aims to cut ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions by more than 90%, slashing the use of a treatment that once sterilized almost half the devices sold in the US.

The rule requires most commercial users of EtO to continuously monitor their emissions of the chemical and report their findings to the EPA on a quarterly basis under the National...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Regulation

EU Finalizes Framework For Joint Clinical Assessments Of High-Risk Devices

 

Second submission window for joint scientific consultations on a procedure to help prepare for joint clinical assessments will open from 2 to 30 June 2025.

UK Take Care! Regulatory And Market Access Reforms Must Not Shut Out Medtech Growth

 
• By 

Speakers at a recent UK medtech outlook conference voiced optimism about the sector’s prospects, but warned that cost burdens, over-regulation and lengthy processes will impede the capacity of local SMEs to innovate. Only 10% of NHS procured medtech comes from UK manufacturers.

Zika Virus Test Among 4 New FDA Device Classifications

 
• By 

The FDA plans to announce class II status for four new device types, including tests for the Zika virus and genetic condition Fragile X. This follows earlier announcements and highlights a trend toward diagnostic classifications. The classifications are considered deregulatory, meaning they will hel

Industry Execs Talk Tariff Turbulence During MD&M East

 

During MD&M East in Manhattan last week, a panel of experts discussed how the Trump administration’s trade policy is affecting manufacturing and offered some ideas on what manufacturers can do to help mitigate the chaos.

More from Policy & Regulation

Zika Virus Test Among 4 New FDA Device Classifications

 
• By 

The FDA plans to announce class II status for four new device types, including tests for the Zika virus and genetic condition Fragile X. This follows earlier announcements and highlights a trend toward diagnostic classifications. The classifications are considered deregulatory, meaning they will hel

FDA Draft Guidance Introduces Electric Submission For Q-Sub Process

 

The US FDA says its updated draft guidance represents one of several steps the agency is taking to develop electronic submission templates for the medical device industry. The document introduces stakeholders to currently available resources for supporting their pre-subs to the agency.

Industry Execs Talk Tariff Turbulence During MD&M East

 

During MD&M East in Manhattan last week, a panel of experts discussed how the Trump administration’s trade policy is affecting manufacturing and offered some ideas on what manufacturers can do to help mitigate the chaos.