"EPA Cracks Down On Carcinogenic Pollution From Medical Plants"

"The rule would cut ethylene oxide releases at sterilization facilities by more than 90 percent."

"EPA on Thursday announced new regulations to slash releases of a cancer-causing compound used by dozens of medical equipment sterilization plants, often located in heavily populated and marginalized communities.

The final rule is the latest of a series for various industries, including many chemical manufacturers, to account for a 2016 finding that ethylene oxide was much more dangerous than previously thought.

The rule, stronger in some respects than a draft released last year, will eventually cut emissions of ethylene oxide by sterilization facilities by more than 90 percent, according to an agency forecast."

Sean Reilly reports for E&E News March 14, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Tightens Limits On A Chemical Used To Sterilize Medical Equipment, Citing Cancer Risk" (AP)

"EPA Curbs Cancer-Causing Chemical Used To Sterilize Medical Devices" (Washington Post)

"E.P.A. Sets Limits on Carcinogenic Gas Used to Sterilize Medical Devices" (New York Times)

 

Source: E&E News, 03/15/2024