EPA Wants to Convey 'Credible' Ethylene Oxide Risks to Public (1)

摘要

The EPA wants to communicate reliable and accurate data about the risks that releases of the cancercausing ethylene oxide gas pose to the public, an agency official said Thursday. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and other Democrats have repeatedly asked the Environmental Protection Agency to explain why it isn't taking steps to protect communities living in the proximity of commercial medical sterilizers and chemical plants that release ethylene oxide into the air. The flammable, colorless gas with a faintly sweet odor is used to sterilize medical equipment, and as a building block for other chemicals to make a range of products, including antifreeze, textiles, plastics, detergents, and adhesives. The EPA classified it a carcinogen in 2016, prompting concern among people who live near plants that use and emit the gas.