Ethylene Oxide is Safe for Sterilization
The Claim
COVID-19 nasal swab test using ethylene oxide cause cancer.
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Emerging story
Nasal swabs are one of the most common ways to test people for COVID-19. After being manufactured, the swabs are sanitized using ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is used to sterilize many other medical devices, as well as in the production of other chemicals. Some suspect that the tests are consequently carcinogenic and have voiced their concerns on social media.
There are plenty of videos making the claim, the rate of which was likely boosted by the advent of stay-at-home tests. Their packaging notes that ethylene oxide was used in sterilization, which may have prompted some conspiracy-minded people to look it up.
Misbar’s Analysis
There’s no dispute that ethylene oxide can cause cancer. It’s a dangerous, flammable chemical that shouldn’t be used recklessly. However, it is safe when it is administered carefully.
There are strict rules and careful procedures put in place when using ethylene oxide. The FDA requires that all residue must be removed. OSHA requires safe usage of the chemical and enforces a series of rules, the violation of which results in heavy fines. The ISO and countless other international organizations also set safety standards.
Multiple studies estimate that about half of all medical equipment is sanitized using ethylene oxide. Why? Not only can it be used safely, but it is also one of the few chemicals that can sanitize without destroying the device it’s trying to clean. While carcinogenic if used improperly, ethylene oxide appears to be a safe and effective method of sanitization.
