Ethylene oxide is a versatile compound that’s used to help make countless everyday products. Ethylene oxide plays an important role in the development of batteries for electric vehicles and is used to support agriculture as well as the oil and gas industry. It is used to make household cleaners and personal care items, create fabrics, and manufacture raw materials into more useful forms. Another important use of ethylene oxide is the sterilization of medical equipment, including personal protective equipment used by health care professionals and hospitals. It is estimated that ethylene oxide sterilizes 20 billion medical devices each year, helping to prevent disease and infection.