EPA Issues Final Rule On Reducing Emissions Of Harmful Ethylene Oxide Found At 5 Facilities In PA

On March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a final rule that will reduce lifetime cancer risks for people living near commercial sterilization facilities across the country. 

The final amendments to the air toxics standards for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization facilities put in place the strongest measures in U.S. history to reduce emissions of EtO, one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals. 

Through the installation of proven and achievable air pollution controls, commercial sterilizers will reduce emissions by more than 90%.

Five facilities were listed by EPA with emissions in Pennsylvania--

-- Linda Gas & Equipment, Inc., Morrisville, Bucks County

-- American Contract Systems, Zelienople, Butler County

-- Croda, Inc., Mill Hall, Clinton County

-- Cosmed of Pennsylvania, Erie, Erie County

-- B. Braun Medical, Inc., Allentown, Lehigh County

-- Arxada LLC, Williamsport, Lycoming County

“This final rule to sharply cut toxic emissions of ethylene oxide responds to the ambition set forth by President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We have followed the science and listened to communities to fulfill our responsibility to safeguard public health from this pollution – including the health of children, who are particularly vulnerable to carcinogens early in life. We’ve arrived at a historically strong rule that will protect the most exposed communities from toxic air pollution while also ensuring that there will be a process that safeguards our nation’s critical supply of sterilized medical equipment.”

Click Here for the complete announcement.

[Posted: March 14, 2024]  PA Environment Digest