Euromate and RPS provide a clear picture of EtO risks during the 2025 knowledge session
“Be good and show it” – Experts highlight responsibility and practical solutions for a safe warehouse
During the well-attended Ethylene Oxide Knowledge Session 2025 on Wednesday 19 November in Utrecht, Euromate and RPS shared the latest insights on the health risks, legal obligations and control measures related to ethylene oxide (EtO). In particular, the fact that there is no safe lower limit and the recently recognised risk of long-term off-gassing from wooden pallets and packaging materials prompted many questions from the audience.
dr. Erik van Deurssen, photo Jeroen Wolbers
Sophia Franklin, photo Jeroen Wolbers
Huib Lebbing, photo Jeroen Wolbers
Three experts, legal specialist Huib Lebbing, occupational physician Sophia Franklin and occupational hygienist Dr Erik van Deurssen, offered a multidisciplinary perspective. Their key message: EtO has no safe exposure threshold, and employers remain responsible for minimising risks, even when exposure levels fall below the legal limit, in line with the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.
The session also addressed the differences between various measurement methods, the obligation to measure in accordance with NEN-EN 689, and the importance of structural risk control following the STOP hierarchy. This included an introduction to Euromate’s Kinetic-425 technology: an air-filtration solution that demonstrably reduces EtO concentrations in warehouse environments.
The knowledge session concluded with a clear call to action: collaborate across the supply chain, share information and remain transparent in measurements and mitigation efforts. According to the experts, “Be good and show it” is essential for compliance, health and trust.
➡️ Read the in-depth article with all insights, practical recommendations and concrete next steps.
