As discussed in prior postings, a number of companies across the country convert ethylene oxide into a gas in order to sterilize medical equipment and supplies (as well as other items). One such company, Sterigenics, operated a large facility, Willowbook, in Illinois...
As we’ve noted in prior reports, environmental groups have long been frustrated with the EPA and its failure to modify its air pollution regulations with respect to medical sterilization plants that utilize and emit Ethylene Oxide (EtO). The EPA last updated its EtO...
In September, we reported on the first Ethylene Oxide (EtO) trial, which resulted in a $363 million verdict for a plaintiff who alleged that her breast cancer was caused by excessive exposure to EtO from a nearby facility. In that case, a Cook County (Illinois) jury...
We recently reported on the first Ethylene Oxide (EtO) verdict which resulted in a $363 million award to an Illinois plaintiff who alleged she developed cancer as the result of emissions from a medical sterilization facility in that state. Just a few days after the...
As we noted in our last report, on September 19, 2022, a Cook County (Illinois) jury awarded $363 million to a plaintiff who alleged that she developed breast cancer as a result of ethylene oxide emissions from the Sterigenics Willowbrook plant. This was the first...
Our prior reports discussed when an ethylene oxide case would go to verdict, and what the ensuing result would look like. We no longer need to speculate. On September 19, 2022, a Cook County (Illinois) jury awarded $363 million to a plaintiff who alleged that she...
Our prior articles have focused on state and federal regulatory action with respect to cancer and Ethylene Oxide (EtO) emissions. Yet, private litigation private litigation in the tort system involving allegations of cancer development from exposure to EtO is a topic...
As previously discussed in our recent reports, the Biden administration and the EPA have been emphasizing environmental justice, which includes a focus on Ethylene Oxide (EtO), an industrial solvent widely used as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment that cannot...
We previously examined the EPA’s increased activity with respect to Ethylene Oxide (EtO), which it considers a human carcinogen. Just as the EPA is increasing its attention to EtO, though, so, too, are several states experiencing an uptick in ethylene oxide...
In our last report, we discussed the EPA’s increased activity with respect to Ethylene Oxide (EtO), which it considers a human carcinogen. As we discuss below, however, on the local level, many of the states are also legislating EtO emissions. The below are not the...