The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has published the 2024 Q2 emissions data for Vantage’s permit. Year-to-date, Vantage has emitted 23.06 pounds of ethylene oxide (EtO), accounting for 20.96% of its annual limit, with 21.83 pounds (36.38% of the total) categorized as fugitive emissions. Under Public Act 101-0023 and Vantage's Construction Permit, the facility is restricted to 110 pounds of annual emissions, including a maximum of 60 pounds from fugitive sources. The Q2 report identified twelve leaking components, most of which were repaired within 24 hours. Following an unannounced USEPA inspection on May 21, 2024, additional inventory was noted, with plans to seal-weld eight threaded components in Q3 to eliminate future leaks.
On June 26, 2024, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) convened a public meeting to discuss the draft health consultation titled Health Evaluation of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Concentrations in Outdoor Air Near Medline Industries and Vantage Specialty Chemicals. The event was held at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, 3106 Belvidere Road, Waukegan, IL. The meeting included a public availability session (open house) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a formal public meeting featuring a presentation and a Q&A session from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM.
On March 26, 2019, the Lake County Health Department petitioned the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to conduct a health risk assessment following air sampling results collected by a vendor for Lake County, the City of Waukegan, and the Village of Gurnee. After more than four years, the public comment draft of the health consultation report was released on June 21, 2024. This report aims to address health risks associated with the air quality findings in the area.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has released the 2024 Q1 emissions data for Vantage’s permit. Year-to-date, Vantage has emitted 13.28 pounds of ethylene oxide (EtO), representing 12.07% of its annual limit, with 12.69 pounds (21.15% of the total) classified as fugitive emissions. Under Public Act 101-0023 and Vantage's Construction Permit, the facility is restricted to 110 pounds of annual emissions, with a maximum of 60 pounds allowed from fugitive sources. The Q1 report noted one leaking connector identified on March 7, 2023, which was successfully tightened and monitored the same day in 2024.
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.
OnlyClassAction helps you connect to lawyers who can determine if you pre-qualify to join the current ethylene oxide lawsuits.
Let's discover what you need to know.
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.
The dangers of ethylene oxide have been known for decades, yet some companies have prioritized profits over public health.
Consider these key events:
This history of delay and inaction has left countless families at risk and searching for answers.
There are several ways dangerous levels of ethylene oxide can reach the public:
Studies have shown strong links between ethylene oxide exposure and several types of cancer:
Other cancer/injury types include:
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:
Despite knowing the dangers for decades, companies like Sterigenics have allegedly put profits over public health.
While ethylene oxide exposure threatens entire communities, some groups are particularly vulnerable:
Holding polluters accountable protects these at-risk populations and prevents future harm.
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.
Lawsuits against companies like Sterigenics allege that sterilization companies:
If these allegations sound all too familiar to you and your family, you may pre-qualify to join the growing litigation.
You may be eligible to seek legal action against an ethylene oxide defendant if you or a family member:
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.
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.
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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