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Gas germicides, whose main component is ethylene oxide, intended for killing and/or total inactivation (i.e., sterilization) of microorganisms (i.e., viruses, bacteria, fungi, and their spores). These gas germicides typically consist of a mixture of ethylene oxide with other inactive components, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or dichlorodifluoromethane.; tThey are used in sterilizing units that include a closed chamber in which the time, temperature, and/or concentration of the germicidal during the sterilization process are controlled. The germicide is toxic and must be eliminated after the sterilization cycle is complete. Ethylene oxide germicides are mainly used to sterilize surgical instruments, reusable supplies, and pharmaceutical products that cannot support conventional high temperature sterilization (e.g., devices that contain plastic or rubber components).
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