Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Ethylene oxide

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Ethylene oxide: A chemical widely used in the health care industry to sterilize medical devices and also used to make other chemicals.

In the year 2000 the US government upgraded ethylene oxide to the status of a "known human carcinogen." There is an increased risk for leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in workers exposed to ethylene oxide.

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