HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN KNOWN THAT ETO IS DANGEROUS?
EtO has been studied and recognized as a potentially dangerous carcinogen for several decades. Lately, much more has been learned about the dangers of EtO. In 1977, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended that EtO be considered as a potential carcinogen to humans. Less than a decade later, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identified EtO as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Less than two decades ago, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revised its classification for EtO and identified it as “known to be a human carcinogen.” Within the last five years, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Risk Information System increased the cancer potency of EtO by 30 times for adults and 60 times for children.
HOW MUCH ETO IS IN THE AIR?
We know that some facilities have operated consistently since 1984. There are two buildings with combined 19 gas chambers which emit thousands of pounds of EtO into the air of Willowbrook and the surrounding suburbs. Sterigenics ran 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which means EtO was being emitted into the air continuously, putting Willowbrook in the top 99.9% in terms of cancer risk in the country.
WHAT MEDICAL ISSUES DOES THE EXPOSURE OF ETO CAUSE?
The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that inhalation exposure to EtO can cause lymphatic cancers, leukemia and breast cancer. There is also evidence that exposure to EtO can cause uterine cancer, lung cancer and brain cancer. Evidence has also shown that EtO can cause an increased rate of miscarriages and other developmental and reproductive impairments. Children are much more vulnerable to EtO harms, evidence has further shown that EtO exposure can cause mutation and chromosomal damage that can lead to potential birth defects.
WHAT IS THE EPA DOING TO PROTECT CITIZENS?
Fortunately, the EPA plans to update ethylene oxide regulations for facilities in the coming years, to protect the health of people living near commercial sterilizers that release ethylene oxide into the surrounding air.
This long-delayed rulemaking would strengthen ethylene oxide emissions controls from commercial sterilizers using the best available science. Current EPA regulations for most EtO-emitting facilities do not account for the cancer risks posed by this toxic chemical, and without updated standards, the people that live, work, and attend school near these facilities may continue to be exposed to harmful levels.
You will be able to submit a public comment once the EPA releases its proposed rule for commercial sterilizers.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN MY COMMUNITY?
You can learn more about these organizations that are working to protect their communities from ethylene oxide emissions by clicking on the link.
Clean Air Laredo Coalition in Laredo, Texas
Clean Air Now in Kansas City, Kansas & Missouri
Clean Power Lake County in Waukegan, Illinois
Mallory Heights Community Development Corporation in Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis Community Against Pollution in Memphis, Tennessee
Stop Sterigenics - Georgia in Georgia