In a move raising concerns for worker safety, the EPA's new regulation on sterilization plants fails to address the dangers of ethylene oxide exposure in offsite warehouses.
Naveena Sadasivam and Lylla Younes report for Grist and Atlanta News First.
In short:
- The EPA's recent rule excludes offsite warehouses from regulation, where workers face significant exposure to the carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide used in medical equipment sterilization.
- A recent investigation by Grist and Atlanta News First into a Georgia warehouse highlighted the ongoing risk to employees, prompting an OSHA investigation despite previous inaction.
- Legal and regulatory challenges limit workers' recourse and the EPA's oversight ability, leaving many workers unknowingly at risk.
Key quote:
"Up until eight years ago, a lot of people had no idea that the sterilizer facility, which looks like your regular office park facility, was poisoning them."
— Marvin Brown, attorney with environmental nonprofit EarthJustice
Why this matters:
Exposure to ethylene oxide, even in small amounts, can have serious health consequences. Workers in industries where EtO is used may face risks of respiratory irritation, lung injury and, in the long term, an increased risk of cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Despite the dangers, US manufacturers persist in use of ethylene oxide despite bans abroad.
