Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit Updates
Federal Appeals Court Revives Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit
A federal appeals court has reversed a prior dismissal, allowing Lee Ann Sommerville to proceed with her lawsuit against Union Carbide Corporation and Covestro, LLC. Sommerville alleges that their West Virginia plant emitted carcinogenic ethylene oxide gas, which caused her illness. The initial dismissal, based on technical filing requirements, was overturned by the appellate court. This ruling is significant as Sommerville joins dozens of plaintiffs nationwide filing similar claims against industrial facilities, alleging harm from ethylene oxide exposure in their communities.
Lawsuits Mount Against Medical Sterilization Plants Over Ethylene Oxide Cancer Risks
Ethylene oxide, a colorless, odorless gas used to sterilize medical equipment, is facing increased scrutiny as communities near sterilization facilities report elevated cancer rates. American Contract Systems in Fort Myers is under investigation for alleged emissions linked to papillary thyroid cancer and other illnesses. Residents exposed to the gas are filing lawsuits against the company and similar facilities, arguing that prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide—a known carcinogen—caused their diagnoses. This litigation highlights growing public health concerns and demands for accountability from industrial operators.
New Study Links Elevated Ethylene Oxide Blood Levels to Significant Sleep Disturbances
A new study establishes a significant association between elevated blood ethylene oxide (EtO) levels and the development of sleep disturbances. This finding expands the documented risks of EtO exposure, which occurs by breathing contaminated air near industrial facilities or in workplace settings. Ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen, and long-term exposure, even at low community levels, increases lifetime cancer risk. These mounting health complications form the basis for lawsuits filed by affected individuals against manufacturing plants. Plaintiffs allege that exposure to the cancer-causing chemical caused their severe illnesses.
Hanover Township Residents Sue B. Braun Over Cancer Risks from Ethylene Oxide Emissions
Sixteen residents of Allentown, located within Hanover Township, have filed a lawsuit against medical device company B. Braun. The plaintiffs, all diagnosed with cancers linked to ethylene oxide exposure—including brain, breast, and blood cancers—allege the company negligently handled the collection and emission of this carcinogenic gas at its Hanover Township facility. Ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen used to sterilize medical equipment, is central to the complaint. The residents assert that B. Braun's careless practices directly exposed them to unsafe levels of the toxic compound, leading to their illnesses.
About The Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit
Imagine learning that a colorless, odorless gas used in everyday products could be silently causing cancer in your community. For millions of Americans living near ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization facilities, this nightmare is a reality.
If you developed lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer, or stomach cancer and believe EtO exposure may be to blame, you deserve answers – and justice.
At OnlyClassAction, we can potentially help you connect to lawyers who can determine if you may qualify to join the current ethylene oxide lawsuits. Let's discover what you need to know.
What is Ethylene Oxide?
EtO is a flammable, colorless gas commonly used for sterilizing medical equipment and producing chemicals like antifreeze and pesticides.
While its sterilization properties make it useful in healthcare settings, EtO's ability to damage DNA also makes it a potent cancer-causing agent and health risk.
Troubling History of EPA Regulation and EtO Use in Sterilization Facilities
The dangers of ethylene oxide have been known for decades, yet some companies have prioritized profits over public health.
Consider these key events:
- 1940s-1950s: EtO becomes widely used for medical sterilization and chemical production.
- 1980s: Studies linked EtO exposure to increased cancer risks, particularly leukemia and lymphoma.
- 1990s-2000s: EPA classifies EtO as a known human carcinogen but fails to update sterilization facility regulations.
- 2016: EPA releases updated EtO cancer risk assessment, finding a 30-fold higher risk than previously thought.
- 2018-2019: Media reports reveal elevated cancer risks near EtO facilities in Illinois, Georgia, and other states.
- 2020-2024: Community groups and environmental advocates file lawsuits and push for stricter EtO regulations and corporate accountability.
This history of delay and inaction has left countless families at risk and searching for answers.
How Does Ethylene Oxide Exposure Occur?
There are several ways dangerous levels of ethylene oxide can reach the public:
- Occupational exposure: Workers in EtO processing plants or commercial sterilization facilities face risks even with safety measures in place.
- Environmental exposure: Uncontrolled emissions from industrial plants that use ethylene oxide can contaminate air and water in nearby communities.
- Consumer products: Many manufacturers sterilize items with EtO, including:
- Medical devices and products
- Cosmetics and personal care items
- Spices and seasonings
- Tobacco smoke: Cigarettes are another source of EtO exposure.
Cancers Linked to Ethylene Oxide
Studies have shown strong links between ethylene oxide exposure and several types of cancer:
- Lymphoma and leukemia are the most common cancers associated with occupational EtO exposure.
- Doctors have also linked breast and stomach cancer to EtO, and researchers believe EtO's DNA-altering properties may also cause health issues in unborn children when pregnant women are exposed.
Other cancer/injury types include:
- Blood Disorders
- Brain Tumors
- Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Damage
- Lung Cancer
- Lymphocytic leukemia
- Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Testicular damage
- Uterine cancer
Communities at Risk Near EtO SterigSterilization Plants
An estimated 14 million Americans live within just 5 miles of EtO sterilization facilities.
Emissions from these plants create "hot spots" of elevated cancer risk in areas like:
- Lake and Cook County, Illinois
- Laredo, Texas
- Salinas, Puerto Rico
Despite knowing the dangers for decades, companies like Sterigenics have allegedly put profits over public health.
Vulnerable Populations Face Higher Risks
While ethylene oxide exposure threatens entire communities, some groups are particularly vulnerable:
- Children: EtO is 60 times more toxic to children than adults, putting schools and daycare centers near sterilization plants at risk.
- Pregnant women: as mentioned earlier, exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects, developmental issues, and childhood cancers.
- Low-income and minority neighborhoods: Many EtO facilities are located in underserved areas, worsening existing health disparities.
- Elderly and immunocompromised individuals: These groups may be more susceptible to developing cancer from chronic EtO exposure.
Holding polluters accountable protects these at-risk populations and prevents future harm.
New and Stronger EtO Rules
In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finally updated its regulations for ethylene oxide sterilization facilities for the first time in 30 years.
The new regulations require a 99% reduction in emissions within the next 2-3 years. However, many environmental advocates argue that these measures still fall short.
Community groups have sued the EPA, pushing for stricter air monitoring and a "major source" classification for EtO facilities. Meanwhile, the sterilization industry is fighting the regulations in court, disputing the EPA's risk assessment.
Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit Allegations
Lawsuits against companies like Sterigenics allege that sterilization companies:
- Failed to warn plaintiffs, workers, and communities about EtO exposure risks adequately.
- Used improper emission controls and safety practices.
- Caused elevated cancer rates in neighborhoods near sterilization plants.
- Prioritized profits over people's health and well-being.
If these allegations sound all too familiar to you and your family, you may qualify to join the growing litigation.
Who Can Join the Ethylene Oxide Lawsuits?
You may be eligible to seek legal action against an ethylene oxide defendant if you or a family member:
- Were diagnosed with lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer, stomach cancer, or other cancers linked to EtO.
- Lived or worked near an EtO sterilization plant.
- Believe ethylene oxide exposure may have provoked your cancer diagnosis.
If you meet the above requirements, you may be entitled to compensation. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility, and all cases are unique.
What to Expect in EtO Litigation
Ethylene oxide lawsuits are complex and often consolidate into more extensive mass tort proceedings against companies like Sterigenics and its parent company, Sotera Health.
While many ethylene oxide cases may eventually settle, some will likely go to trial, setting important precedents for corporate accountability.
No matter what legal path you choose, your legal counsel will guide you every step of the way.
Your Next Steps in the Fight for Justice
You didn't choose to be a victim of ethylene oxide exposure, but you can choose to take control of your legal rights.
Now is the time to act if you believe EtO contamination caused your cancer.
Sterilization corporations that put their bottom line ahead of your community's health aren't wasting any time mounting their defense.
OnlyClassAction can help connect you with an attorney in our network. Sign up for the ethylene oxide lawsuit today to hold polluters accountable and create a safer, healthier future for all.
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