Association between ethylene oxide exposure and osteoarthritis risk: an analysis of NHANES data (2013-2014 and 2017-2018).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ethylene oxide (EO) is widely used as a disinfectant and is also a common environmental pollutant. Exposure to EO has been associated with various systemic diseases, posing crucial health risks. However, EO is frequently employed as a sterilizing agent in orthopedics, while its association with the risk of skeletal system diseases remains insufficiently evaluated. This study aims to investigate the association between EO exposure and the risk of Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent orthopedic condition.

Methods

A total of 3,386 participants were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 cycles, including 952 individuals with OA. Box plots assessed EO concentration differences between OA and non-OA groups. Weigh

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11822445 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature