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What does a 1960 quarter have to do with plastic syringes? At first glance, nothing. However, looking closer at the production of both products shows a strong reliance on silver. Quarters manufactured up until 1964 were made of a silver alloy, until the value of the coin itself began outweighing the value that it represented.
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What does a 1960 quarter have to do with plastic syringes? At first glance, nothing.
However, looking closer at the production of both products shows a strong reliance on
silver. Quarters manufactured up until 1964 were made of a silver alloy, until the value of
the coin itself began outweighing the value that it represented.
Today, silver is popularly used in the production of jewelry, electronics, and
photography equipment. However, it also plays a major role in the production of
industrial chemicals, including Ethylene Oxide.
The colorless gas, Ethylene Oxide, or EtO, is a dangerous chemical that is
considered a carcinogen, flammable, and explosive. EtO is a gas at room
temperature which allows it to be used to sterilize heat sensitive materials that
can not withstand the high temperatures required for processes such as steam
sterilization.
In order to manufacture the ethylene oxide needed for these important procedures, ethylene must be oxidized
in the presence of silver catalyst. Because of the genetic make-up of the silver, the metal is not compromised by
the creation of the gas, and therefore can be used again.
According to the Silver Institute, over 150 million ounces of silver are used every year to produce ethylene
oxide as well as industrial formaldehyde. Of the 150 million ounces, about 90% are used directly in the creation
of the ethylene oxide. The EtO that is produced has many uses ranging from creating plastics and clothing to
being used as a gaseous sterilizing agent for medical devices.
Although consumers are rarely exposed to the processes that bring them safe and sterile products, it is
important to realize the amount of work put in before products are delivered to the end user. It is just as
important for producers to have valid records of the processes and procedures that have been followed to
ensure the safety and wellbeing of consumers.
MadgeTech's line of EtO data loggers are designed to monitor sterilization cycles that utilize the powerful gas.
The small devices are rated as intrinsically safe and can monitor the entire process including the pretreatment,
sterilization and nitrogen washes.
