As EPA Readies Rules, Study Backs Stricter Limits On EtO Emissions

摘要

A long-awaited EPA risk analysis has found that cancer risks from emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) from a now-shuttered sterilization plant in a Chicago suburb could be lowered if further controls are installed at the facility, findings that suggest upcoming agency air toxics rules governing EtO emissions could seek to strengthen current requirements. EPA released the study at a May 29 community meeting, telling those present that their estimate of "risks at recent, pre-seal order operating/emissions levels [of the Willowbrook, IL sterilizing facility] require regulatory action," according to one of the presentations. EPA has been under increasing pressure from the Chicago area's congressional delegation to get answers and take action regarding the Willowbrook Sterigenics plant, as well as other EtO-emitting facilities in Illinois, after the agency released National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) modeled data last summer indicating increased cancer risk near facilities emitting EtO. The NATA finding was based in part on the agency's 2016 Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment, which found EtO to be 30 times more potent at causing cancer than previously thought and affirmed long-suspected claims that the chemical, used as an intermediate to make other chemical products like detergent, antifreeze and polyester, and to sterilize medical equipment and foods, causes breast and lymph cancers. It also classified the substance as a known carcinogen and recommended conservative risk values that are expected to drive stricter regulatory standards.