Ethylene oxide is the second-generation chemical disinfectant after formaldehyde. It is still one of the best cold disinfectants. It is also the current four low-temperature sterilization technologies (low-temperature plasma, low-temperature formaldehyde steam, ethylene oxide) , Glutaraldehyde) the most important member.

Ethylene oxide fumigant is a chemical that uses steam generated when volatilized to poison harmful organisms.