Which government agency controls the safety and effectiveness of sterilizers?

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, which includes sterilizers. The FDA's role involves evaluating the manufacturing processes and products, ensuring they meet safety standards, and approving new devices before they can be marketed. This regulatory oversight is crucial for maintaining public health standards and ensuring that healthcare facilities use effective sterilization methods to prevent infection and other complications.

The other agencies have different areas of focus: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily regulates environmental issues related to air and water quality, while OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is focused on workplace safety and health standards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily focuses on public health and disease prevention but does not specifically control the safety and effectiveness of sterilization devices. This distinction clarifies why the FDA is the appropriate agency connected to sterilizer regulation.