Steam is an accepted method for sterilization of hospital items. In recent years, heat labile items (such as plastics) have been introduced into hospital usage. These items require sterilization at a lower temperature, which is often called Cold Sterilization. At the present time, the most effective agent for cold sterilization is ethylene oxide gas. It is effective against all organisms, damages few materials, has the ability to penetrate fabrics, paper, and plastics, and is effective at 120/96 F. to 140/96 F.