Ethylene Oxide Fumigation: Results and Risk Assessment

Abstract

Ethylcne oxide fumigation involves three distinct issues: the risk to personnel and institutions due to its use; the relative efficacy of ethylene oxide as a fumigant, and the chemical hazard to the artifact. Legislative history in the U.S.A. regulatory Status, and individual institutional practices asso-eiated with EtO use are reviewed. Estimated costs in modifying existing fumigation methods such as the costs of leakage reduetion, lowcred exhaust levels, and improved recovery Systems are outlined as are those for EtO monitoring Systems. A comparison of EtO effective dosages to other fumigation Systems is made. Potential hazards to paper artifacts are discussed. An approach to the evaluation of these issues is suggested. © 1986, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.