Abstract
Background: Some employees engaged in central services in a hospital have experienced irritation to the eyes and throat near the hydrogen peroxide (HP) steriliser.
Method: The concentrations of hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) in the proximity of HP sterilisers (low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma steriliser: Sterrad NX®, Sterrad 100S®, and Sterrad 200®, Johnson & Johnson, and Low-temperature vaporized hydrogen peroxide steriliser: Amsco V-PRO1®, Sakura Seiki) were measured with an electrochemical detector.
Results: HPV was present at higher concentrations than anticipated.
Conclusion: Adequate air conditioning, donning gloves for bag handling, supplied-air respirator use for door opening, and other measures for the security of healthcare personnel should be seriously reevaluated.
