What factor contributes to the hazard of using ethylene oxide?

The correct answer, which identifies toxicity as a key hazard associated with ethylene oxide, underscores the significant health risks that exposure to this chemical can pose. Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas that is primarily used as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment and devices. However, while it is effective for sterilization, it is also classified as a carcinogen, meaning that it has the potential to cause cancer.

Inhalation or skin contact can lead to serious health complications, including respiratory issues and neurological effects, making it crucial for personnel in sterile processing environments to be aware of these risks. Proper safety protocols and protective equipment are essential to minimize exposure to ethylene oxide while handling it.

The other factors mentioned, such as explosive nature, corrosive properties, and high volatility, also represent concerns when working with ethylene oxide, but they are not the primary factor contributing to its hazard profile in the context of health. Explosiveness relates to the conditions in which ethylene oxide can ignite, corrosiveness pertains to its ability to damage certain materials, and high volatility indicates how quickly it can evaporate or disperse in the air. While these properties certainly require attention and caution during handling, toxicity remains the most critical concern for personnel safety in sterile