The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s updated regulations on ethylene oxide emissions from medical sterilization facilities are facing lawsuits from environmental groups and the medical-supply industry, both arguing the rules are inadequate or overly stringent.
Naveena Sadasivam and Lylla Younes report for Grist.
In short:
- The EPA recently introduced regulations requiring facilities to cut ethylene oxide emissions by more than 99% within three years.
- Environmental groups argue the rule doesn't go far enough to protect communities near these facilities, while industry groups claim it imposes unrealistic standards.
- Both sides are now taking their cases to the D.C. Court of Appeals, with the outcome impacting millions living near these plants.
Key quote:
The EPA is "illegally and arbitrarily prolonging [residents’] exposure to toxic emissions of ethylene oxide.”
— Lawsuit by Sierra Club and community groups
Why this matters:
Ethylene oxide is a potent carcinogen linked to severe health risks. The outcome of these lawsuits could either strengthen or weaken protections for millions of people living near these facilities.
Related: US manufacturers persist in use of cancer-causing ethylene oxide despite bans abroad
