Substitute Sterilants
Substitutes are reviewed on the basis of ozone
depletion potential, global warming potential, toxicity,
flammability, and exposure potential. Lists of acceptable
and unacceptable substitutes are updated several times
each year. A
chronological list of SNAP
updates is also available.
Note: SNAP Notices and Final Rules published in the
Federal Register take precedence over all
information on the web site.
| CO2 / EtO |
CO2/EtO blends can serve as
drop-in replacements to 12/88 in some but not in all
existing equipment because they require a higher
operating pressure. As a HAP, use of EtO must comply
with Title III of the CAA. This agent is FIFRA
registered. |
| HCFC-124 / EtO |
HCFC-124 is an ozone depleting
substance; it should be used to sterilize only
equipment that cannot be sterilized using other
alternatives such as steam or CO2/EtO blends. As a
HAP, use of EtO must comply with Title III of the
CAA. This agent is FIFRA registered. |
| [HCFC Blend] A /
EtO |
This blend contains HCFC-124,
an ozone depleting substance; it should be use to
sterilize only equipment that cannot be sterilized
using other alternatives such as steam or CO2/EtO
blends. As a HAP, use of EtO must comply with Title
III of the CAA. This agent is FIFRA Registered. |
| IoGas™
Sterilant Blend 1 (blend of CF
3I/CO2/EtO) |
As a HAP, use of EtO must
comply with Title III of the CAA. FIFRA registration
of this agent is pending. |
| IoGas™
Sterilant Blend 3 (blend of CF
3I/CO2/EtO) |
As a HAP, use of EtO must
comply with Title III of the CAA. FIFRA registration
of this agent is pending. |
| IoGas™
Sterilant Blend 6 (blend of CF
3I/CO2/EtO) |
As a HAP, use of EtO must
comply with Title III of the CAA. FIFRA registration
of this agent is pending. |
| Pure EtO |
EtO is a toxic, carcinogenic
substance and is considered a hazardous air
pollutant. Potential exposures of the general
population to EtO releases can be limited either
through the use of catalytic converters which convert
waste EtO into CO2 and water, or through the use of
acid water scrubbers which convert waste EtO into
ethylene glycol. Must be used in accordance with
manufacturer recommendations to address flammability
concerns. Must be used in accordance with OSHA
standards to limit occupational exposures. As a HAP,
use of EtO must comply with Title III of the
CAA. |
| Peroxyacetic Acid /
Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma Systems |
None |
| Hydrogen Peroxide
Gas Plasma Systems |
None |
| Steam |
Applicable only to devices
resistant to heat and moisture. |
| The Mini-Max
Cleaner® |
None |
Acceptable Substitutes for
Blends of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and HCFCs (Class II ODS) as
Sterilants
| IoGas™
Sterilant Blend 1 (blend of CF
3I/CO2/EtO) |
HCFC-124/EtO; HCFC Blend A
(HCFC-124 and HCFC-22)/EtO |
As a HAP, use of EtO must
comply with Title III of the CAA. FIFRA registration
of this agent is pending. |
| IoGas™
Sterilant Blend 3 (blend of CF
3I/CO2/EtO) |
HCFC-124/EtO; HCFC Blend A
(HCFC-124 and HCFC-22)/EtO |
As a HAP, use of EtO must
comply with Title III of the CAA. FIFRA registration
of this agent is pending. |
| IoGas™
Sterilant Blend 6 (blend of CF
3I/CO2/EtO) |
HCFC-124/EtO; HCFC Blend A
(HCFC-124 and HCFC-22)/EtO |
As a HAP, use of EtO must
comply with Title III of the CAA. FIFRA registration
of this agent is pending. |
| The Mini-Max
Cleaner® |
HCFC-124/EtO; HCFC Blend A
(HCFC-124 and HCFC-22)/EtO |
None. |
| CO2/EtO |
Blends of EtO containing HCFC-22 |
CO2/EtO blends can serve as drop-in
replacements to 12/88 in some but not in all existing equipment
because they require a higher operating pressure. As a HAP,
use of EtO must comply with Title III of the CAA. This agent is
FIFRA registered. |
| Pure EtO |
Blends of EtO containing HCFC-22 |
EtO is a toxic, carcinogenic substance and
is considered a hazardous air pollutant. Potential exposures of
the general population to EtO releases can be limited either
through the use of catalytic converters which convert waste EtO
into CO2 and water, or through the use of acid water scrubbers
which convert waste EtO into ethylene glycol. Must be used in
accordance with manufacturer recommendations to address
flammability concerns. Must be used in accordance with OSHA
standards to limit occupational exposures. As a HAP, use of EtO
must comply with Title III of the CAA. This agent is FIFRA
registered. |
| Peroxyacetic Acid/Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma
Systems |
Blends of EtO containing HCFC-22 |
This agent is FIFRA registered. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma Systems |
Blends of EtO containing HCFC-22 |
This agent is FIFRA registered. |
| Steam |
Blends of EtO containing HCFC-22 |
Applicable only to devices resistant to heat
and moisture. |
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