Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a highly toxic chemical used to sterilize medical equipment and manufacture other chemicals. The EPA determined in 2016 that EtO is carcinogenic to humans at exposure levels far lower than previously thought. Residents living near EtO-emitting facilities in Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Colorado, and other states have filed lawsuits alleging their cancers — including lymphoma, breast cancer, and leukemia — were caused by chronic exposure to EtO emissions.
EPA finalizes new regulations dramatically reducing allowable ethylene oxide emissions from sterilization facilities, requiring installation of pollution controls.
regulatoryCobb County, Georgia jury awards $363 million to a woman who developed breast cancer after living near the Sterigenics facility in Smyrna. First major EtO trial verdict.
verdictIllinois EPA orders Sterigenics to stop all ethylene oxide emissions at its Willowbrook facility amid mounting community outcry and health data.
regulatoryEPA data reveals that the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook, Illinois has been exposing nearby residents to EtO levels creating cancer risks up to 9x the national average.
scientificEPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) determines ethylene oxide is 30x more carcinogenic than previously estimated, fundamentally changing the risk calculus for nearby communities.
regulatorySeries of settlements totaling over $408M for residents of Willowbrook, IL and surrounding communities who developed cancers attributed to EtO emissions from the Sterigenics facility.
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