Pre Proposal: Outreach to Communities on Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilizers Fact Sheet
Action
- On August 3, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated outreach to communities affected by emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) from commercial sterilizers.
- EtO is a colorless gas, that is used at commercial sterilizers to sterilize devices that cannot be sterilized using steam or radiation, such as some medical and dental equipment. According to the Food and Drug Administration, approximately 50 percent of sterile medical devices are treated with EtO – about 20 billion devices each year. EtO is also used to sterilize some food products such as spices, certain dried herbs, dried vegetables, sesame seeds and walnuts.
- High concentrations of EtO have been found in the air near some commercial sterilizers. Inhalation of EtO at these levels, over many years, can increase the lifetime risk of getting cancer. However, based on current modeling, EPA does not expect EtO levels in the outdoor air around facilities that release it to be high enough to cause immediate non-cancer health effects.
- EPA is reaching out to state and local governments, communities facing the highest risks, other interested parties, and industry to share information and hear input on protecting health and reducing toxic emissions from these facilities. EPA is sharing this information because communities have a right to know about emissions that could affect their health and well-being and the agency wants to provide communities with opportunity to provide input on the forthcoming rulemaking.
- EPA is committed to using science, data, and evidence to drive the EPA decision-making processes on environmental health risks, including reducing risks from EtO emitted into the air. Engaging with communities, states, Tribes, and stakeholders to reduce the risks posed by air emissions of this chemical remains a high priority for EPA.
- EPA’s overall action plan to address risks from EtO and learn more about the chemical includes:
- Reviewing Clean Air Act regulations to further reduce EtO emissions from industrial facilities, particularly rules to control air toxic emissions from commercial sterilizers and facilities that manufacture chemicals.
- Working with state and local air agencies to reduce EtO emissions.
- Expanding environmental reporting requirements for sterilization facilities.
- Reevaluating how EtO is used within sterilization facilities with the goal of reducing risks to workers who handle EtO and those who are exposed in other ways.
- Providing financial resources and technical support for local monitoring activities.
- Conducting research to better understand and measure EtO.
- Assessing compliance and pursuing enforcement as appropriate.
How to Participate
- Please visit our website to see maps and learn more about specific commercial sterilizers around the country
- On August 10, 2022, EPA will conduct a national webinar to provide more details about the issue. Register to attend.
- EPA will also conduct virtual and in-person meetings with communities affected by emissions from ethylene oxide sterilizers. Review information about this outreach.
- You may also contact EPA via email with any questions at: eto@epa.gov