Colorless cancer-causing chemical finally contained by common sense

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas used to make chemical products like antifreeze and plastic bottles, or to sterilize things like medical equipment but breathing EtO causes a higher risk of cancer.

New Jersey is home to three commercial EtO sterilizers, with more than 716,000 residents living within five miles of these facilities, but federal officials are finally taking steps to protect roughly 8 percent of the state’s population that has been exposed to the carcinogen.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken significant steps to reduce toxic emissions from commercial sterilization facilities, particularly those using EtO, in New Jersey. The move comes amid growing concerns about the health risks posed by this potent cancer-causing chemical.

Reducing cancer risks associated with toxic air pollutants has been a priority for the Biden administration, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by industrial emissions.

Among the notable sterilization facilities in New Jersey are EtO Sterilization in Linden and Steris Isomedix in South Plainfield.

The EPA has identified EtO Sterilization in Linden as contributing to elevated cancer risks, particularly with a maximum excess cancer risk level of 2,000 additional cases per 1 million people (EPA 2022h). This facility is situated within five miles of nearly 387,000 people and 350 schools and childcare centers, making it a significant concern for public health.

Furthermore, the Linden facility has been found in violation of the Clean Water Act every quarter since at least 2020, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges.

Most households near this facility have an income of less than $75,000 annually, with a large majority having no more than a high school diploma.

In response to these concerns, the EPA announced final amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilizers on March 14, 2024.

This rule aims to reduce EtO emissions from commercial sterilization facilities by 90 percent, significantly lowering the lifetime cancer risk for nearby residents to levels below the Clean Air Act threshold for elevated risk.

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas used for sterilizing medical and dental equipment and fumigating certain food products. While it is an effective sterilization agent, long-term exposure to EtO can lead to serious health issues, including irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and potential damage to the brain and reproductive system.

The EPA’s new rule seeks to mitigate these risks and protect communities living near these facilities.

The EPA’s decision to implement stricter rules on EtO emissions follows years of advocacy and concerns raised by communities across the country, including those in New Jersey.

The new regulations will require commercial sterilizers to install pollution-control equipment, conduct continuous emissions monitoring, and file quarterly reports to ensure compliance.