EPA proposes new measures to cut emissions of carcinogenic gas ethylene oxide
Gromit702/iStock via Getty Images
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new standards to reduce emissions of a carcinogenic gas, ethylene oxide (EtO), commonly used in the sterilization of medical devices such as catheters and ventilators.
- The proposals aim to cut annual EtO emissions from commercial sterilization sites by 80%, bringing the emission levels below a regulatory benchmark used to assess elevated cancer risk, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.
- If finalized, the proposals will require 86 commercial sterilizers and new facilities to meet stricter pollution controls and implement monitoring methods to ensure that the pollution controls related to EtO emissions are operating effectively.
- EPA will also require the facilities to report results twice a year and comply with measures within 18 months, an expedited timeline.
- Long-term exposure to EtO can increase the risk of certain cancers such as breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myeloma, and lymphocytic leukemia.
- Read: Providers of sterilization services, Becton, Dickinson (NYSE:BDX), Steris (NYSE:STE), and Sotera Health (NASDAQ:SHC) have faced lawsuits related to EtO emissions in the past.