Which of the following is a common use of ethylene oxide gas?

Ethylene oxide gas is widely recognized for its effectiveness in sterilizing heat-sensitive medical equipment, making it a crucial component in the sterilization processes within dental and medical settings. This gas penetrates materials effectively, allowing it to sterilize complex instruments that cannot withstand high temperatures, such as plastics, electronics, and some delicate instruments used in patient care.

The ability of ethylene oxide to work at lower temperatures is particularly important for preserving the integrity and functionality of these heat-sensitive materials, ensuring they remain safe and effective for patient use. The process involves exposing the items to ethylene oxide gas in a sealed chamber, which allows for thorough sterilization while maintaining the materials' properties.

While the other options do involve important aspects of dental office maintenance and infection control, they do not align with the primary and common utilization of ethylene oxide gas as effectively as sterilizing heat-sensitive equipment does. Sterilizing waterlines and using ethylene oxide for fumigation or as a surface disinfectant are not typical applications of this particular gas.