Commercial Sterilization Facility Ethylene Oxide Exposure: Overview
Ethylene oxide (EtO) has been a cornerstone in sterilizing medical equipment since the 1950s, primarily due to its efficacy in eliminating microorganisms from heat- and moisture-sensitive devices.
Its ability to sterilize without damaging delicate materials made it indispensable for items like catheters, surgical instruments, and complex plastic components.
Today, approximately 50% of all sterile medical devices in the United States are treated with EtO, totaling around 20 billion items annually.
Common sources and uses of ethylene oxide in sterilization settings include:
- Sterilizing agent for medical and dental equipment, especially those sensitive to heat or moisture.
- Use in hospitals and third-party sterilization facilities for large-scale disinfection of surgical instruments.
- Industrial processing of plastic syringes, catheters, and other medical equipment.
- Sterilization of food and cosmetic packaging, though this is less common today.
- Manufacture of ethylene glycol, a chemical used in antifreeze and polyester production, which is closely linked in production pathways.
Despite its widespread use, concerns about EtO’s health impacts have grown over time.
Initially, its potential hazards were not fully understood, but subsequent research revealed that EtO exposure could lead to serious health issues.
Human health studies and animal studies have linked prolonged exposure to increased risks of cancers such as lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
These findings have raised alarms about the safety of both workers in sterilization facilities and residents in nearby communities.
Exposure to EtO occurs through inhalation, as the gas can be released into the air during sterilization processes.
Workers handling EtO and individuals living near sterilization plants may inhale the gas, often without immediate symptoms due to its faint, sweet odor detectable only at high concentrations.
This asymptomatic exposure increases the risk of long-term health effects, including various cancers and neurological issues.
Regulations on Ethylene Oxide Emissions and Exposure
Regulatory agencies have implemented measures to control EtO emissions.
In 2024, the EPA finalized new rules to reduce EtO emissions from sterilization facilities by over 90%, in response to growing public health concerns and risk assessments.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified EtO as a hazardous air pollutant and has established regulations to limit its release into the environment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set permissible exposure limits to protect workers from excessive EtO levels.
However, despite regulatory efforts, incidents of high EtO emissions have been reported.
Studies have found that certain communities, such as those in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” experience EtO levels significantly above safety thresholds, leading to increased cancer risks among residents.
Why Ethylene Oxide Is Still Used to Sterilize Medical Equipment
The continued use of EtO in sterilization processes is attributed to its unmatched effectiveness in ensuring the sterility of medical equipment.
While alternative methods exist, none have fully replicated EtO’s ability to sterilize complex devices without compromising their integrity.
This reliance on EtO presents a challenge in balancing the benefits of effective sterilization against the potential health risks associated with its emissions.
In conclusion, while ethylene oxide remains a critical component in medical sterilization, its associated health risks necessitate ongoing evaluation and regulation.
Protecting public health requires a concerted effort to minimize EtO emissions, implement safer sterilization alternatives where possible, and ensure that both workers and communities are safeguarded against exposure.
What Commercial Sterilization Facilities Emit Dangerous Levels of Ethylene Oxide?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified numerous commercial sterilization facilities emitting ethylene oxide (EtO) at levels posing elevated cancer risks to nearby communities.
Below is a comprehensive list of commercial sterilization facilities identified by the EPA as having elevated cancer risks due to EtO emissions:
- Sterilization Services of Georgia – Atlanta, Georgia
- Sterigenics Sterilization Facility – Willowbrook, Illinois and Smyrna, Georgia
- Terumo BCT – Lakewood, Colorado
- International Sterilization Laboratory – Groveland, Florida
- Professional Contract Sterilization – Taunton, Massachusetts
- Trinity Sterile – Salisbury, Maryland
- Elite Spice – Jessup and Hanover, Maryland
- Midwest Sterilization Corporation – Jackson, Missouri
- Becton Dickinson Pharmaceutical Systems – Columbus, Nebraska
- Cosmed Group – Franklin, New Jersey
- EtO Sterilization – Linden, New Jersey
- Lemco Ardmore – Ardmore, Oklahoma
- Medtronic – Zelienople, Pennsylvania and Villalba, Puerto Rico
- Customed – Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- Steri-Tech – Salinas, Puerto Rico
- Edwards Lifesciences Technology – Anasco, Puerto Rico
- Sterilization Services of Tennessee – Memphis, Tennessee
- DeRoyal Industries/Royal Sterilization – New Tazewell, Tennessee
- Midwest Sterilization Corporation – Laredo, Texas
- Steritec – Athens, Texas
- BD Medical – Sandy, Utah
- Sterilization Services of Virginia – Henrico, Virginia
- & many more commercial sterilization facilities
These facilities have been under scrutiny due to their EtO emissions and the associated health risks.
The EPA’s actions aim to significantly reduce these emissions and mitigate the cancer risks for residents living near these sterilization plants.
Lawsuits for Community and Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Oxide
Lawsuits concerning ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure have been filed by both community residents and workers who allege serious health issues, including various cancers, due to prolonged exposure to EtO emissions from sterilization facilities.
A notable case involved Sterigenics, which agreed to a $408 million settlement to resolve over 870 claims related to its Willowbrook, Illinois, facility; this followed a $363 million jury verdict awarded to a woman who developed breast cancer after living near the same facility for decades.
In Georgia, six residents filed lawsuits against Sterigenics and Becton Dickinson, claiming that emissions from nearby sterilization facilities led to their cancer diagnoses.
Cosmed Group Inc., facing over 300 lawsuits alleging injuries from EtO exposure, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2024.
TorHoerman Law is actively investigating Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuits related to sterilization facilities across the United States.
Contact us for a free consultation or use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for an Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit instantly.
Health Effects of Human Exposure to Ethylene Oxide Emissions
Scientific evidence has increasingly linked ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure to serious health risks, prompting heightened concern among public health officials and regulatory agencies.
Initially recognized for its efficacy in sterilizing medical products, EtO’s potential as a hazardous substance became more apparent in the 1980s when the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified it as a probable human carcinogen.
EtO is readily absorbed through inhalation, making both community and employee exposure particularly concerning, especially near chemical plants and sterilization facilities.
Over time, studies have documented the toxic effects of EtO, including its mutagenic and reproductive hazards, leading to adverse outcomes even at low exposure levels.
Despite these findings, EtO continues to be used extensively due to its effectiveness in sterilizing complex medical equipment.
Symptoms of Exposure to Ethylene Oxide
Exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO) poses significant health risks to both workers and nearby communities.
EtO is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor, commonly used to sterilize medical equipment and produce chemicals like ethylene glycol.
Due to its widespread use, individuals living near hazardous waste sites or working in facilities that utilize EtO may be at greater risk of exposure.
EtO is readily absorbed through inhalation, and even low-level exposure can lead to adverse outcomes.
Scientific evidence has linked EtO exposure to various health issues, prompting regulatory agencies to implement stricter controls.
Common Symptoms of Ethylene Oxide Exposure:
- Gastrointestinal distress: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Neurological effects: Memory loss, impaired hand-eye coordination, dizziness, and headaches.
- Respiratory issues: Coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
- Skin and eye irritation: Redness, blistering, and pain upon contact.
- Fatigue and weakness: General feelings of tiredness and muscle weakness.
- Reproductive effects: Potential impacts on fertility and reproductive health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms and has been exposed to EtO, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Early intervention can help mitigate the health effects associated with these hazardous substances.
Types of Cancer Linked to Ethylene Oxide Exposure
Exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO) has been associated with an increased risk of several cancers, especially among the general population and exposed workers and communities living near industrial facilities or hazardous waste sites.
EtO is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and is known to damage white blood cells and other critical cellular structures, leading to malignancy over time.
Both community and occupational exposure have been linked to elevated cancer rates in scientific studies.
Cancers linked to EtO exposure include:
- Breast Cancer – Found in both occupational studies and limited community data, particularly in women with long-term exposure.
- Kidney Cancer – Linked to long-term inhalation of EtO in industrial and sterilization settings.
- Lymphohematopoietic Cancers (combined) – Includes multiple blood cancers strongly associated with EtO.
- Leukemia – Especially chronic lymphocytic leukemia; caused by EtO’s effect on the hematopoietic system.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Frequently observed in sterilization workers and EtO-exposed cohorts.
- Brain Cancer – Seen in some occupational cohorts and supported by animal research.
- Stomach Cancer – Found in both worker studies and limited general population data.
- Pancreatic Cancer – Suggested in multiple occupational studies, with ongoing investigation.
These cancers have been observed in both animal and human studies, especially in workers regularly exposed to EtO during the sterilization of medical devices or in chemical plants.
As awareness grows, regulators and researchers continue to investigate the extent of cancer risk across exposed populations.
Non-Cancer Risks Linked to Ethylene Oxide Exposure
While much attention has focused on cancer outcomes, ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure also causes a range of serious non-cancer health effects.
Both community and occupational exposures have been associated with lasting damage to vital organ systems, with risks increasing through repeated or long-term contact.
The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have documented numerous adverse effects in exposed populations and animal models.
Non-cancer health risks linked to EtO exposure include:
- Pulmonary Edema – Accumulation of fluid in the lungs, impairing breathing and oxygen exchange after acute or prolonged inhalation.
- Reproductive Toxicity – Includes reduced fertility, increased miscarriages, and developmental defects, observed in both animal studies and exposed human workers.
- Neurological Damage – Chronic exposure can result in peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, and impaired hand-eye coordination.
- Muscular Atrophy – Studies in animal models have documented degeneration of skeletal muscles after repeated EtO inhalation.
- Hematological Effects – Altered blood chemistry, including decreased hemoglobin and red blood cell counts, suggestive of bone marrow suppression.
- Endocrine Disruption – Damage to the adrenal glands has been observed, potentially altering hormone production and stress response.
- Liver and Kidney Toxicity – Structural changes and function impairments have been reported in rodent studies at high exposure levels.
- Developmental Effects – Delayed fetal growth, skeletal abnormalities, and other teratogenic outcomes have been observed in animals exposed during gestation.
These risks, often distinct from immediate symptoms, reflect how EtO disrupts biological systems at the cellular and tissue levels.
Many of these conditions develop gradually and may remain undiagnosed for years, especially among community members living near sterilization facilities or chemical plants.
Do You Qualify for the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Lawsuit?
Qualifying for an Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Lawsuit depends on several key factors, including your location, medical history, and exposure timeline.
Individuals who lived or worked near commercial sterilization facilities—particularly those identified by the EPA as having elevated cancer risks—are encouraged to review their legal options.
Medical documentation showing a diagnosis of cancer or another serious health condition linked to ethylene oxide exposure is essential to support your claim.
If you or a loved one lived near or worked at a sterilization facility emitting ethylene oxide and subsequently developed breast cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, or other health problems linked to EtO exposure, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.
These lawsuits are being filed on behalf of both community members and sterilization plant employees who were not adequately warned about the risks.
Proof of residence, employment, and medical diagnosis can help establish your claim.
A qualified attorney can assess your case based on available evidence and determine whether you meet the criteria to participate in the ongoing litigation.
Contact the Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawyers at TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.
You can also use the chat feature on this page for a free case evaluation.
Gathering Evidence for an Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit
Building a strong Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit requires documented proof that you were exposed to ethylene oxide emissions and suffered harm as a result.
This includes showing proximity to a facility known to release higher concentrations of EtO and linking your health issues to that exposure.
Both community members and former employees may be eligible to file claims with the right evidence.
Medical records, employment history, and environmental data all help strengthen your case.
Evidence for an EtO exposure lawsuit may include:
- Proof of residence or employment near a facility known to emit ethylene oxide
- Medical records showing diagnosis of cancer or other health conditions linked to EtO
- Air monitoring data confirming higher concentrations of EtO in your area
- EPA or state environmental agency reports detailing emission levels
- Testimony from healthcare providers or environmental health experts
- Documentation of safety violations or regulatory findings at the facility
Damages in EtO Exposure Lawsuits
In a lawsuit, damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to a person who has suffered harm due to another party’s actions or negligence.
In EtO Exposure Lawsuits, damages are meant to cover the personal, financial, and emotional toll that exposure to ethylene oxide has caused.
This can include both current and future medical needs, lost income, and the lasting impact on a person’s quality of life.
Families of deceased victims may also be eligible to pursue wrongful death damages.
Damages in Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuits may include:
- Medical expenses for treatment, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering due to physical and emotional distress
- Disability or permanent impairment resulting from long-term illness
- Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to engage in normal daily activities
- Wrongful death compensation for families of loved ones who died from EtO-related illnesses
- Out-of-pocket costs for transportation, caregiving, or specialized equipment related to treatment
TorHoerman Law: Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawyers
TorHoerman Law is committed to representing individuals and families harmed by toxic ethylene oxide emissions from commercial sterilization facilities.
We understand the devastating toll that exposure to this powerful sterilizing agent can take—particularly when it results in life-altering diagnoses such as breast cancer, lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and other lymphohematopoietic cancers.
Whether you lived near or worked in a facility and were exposed to ethylene oxide, our team is ready to evaluate your case and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness after exposure, you may qualify to file an ethylene oxide lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation—there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case.
You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for an ethylene oxide lawsuit instantly.
