• Gaseous Chemosterilizers (good for
heat‐sensitive items)
• Chemicals that sterilize in a closed chamber
• Ethylene oxide‐‐used on hospital equipment
• Reacts with functional groups of DNA and
proteins
• Sterilizes and disinfects plastic materials
• Peroxygens
• Hydrogen peroxide‐‐better used on inanimate
objects vs. open wounds
• Benzoyl peroxide‐‐treat acne by killing
anaerobic bacteria in hair follicles
• Peracetic acid‐‐effective, considered a sterilant
– used in food processing and medical equipment