Does Ethylene Oxide Cause Cancer?

By Patrick Nolen on April 10, 2024

Researchers have linked ethylene oxide (EtO), a flammable gas used in many industrial and medical applications, to an increased risk of several types of cancer, according to mounting scientific evidence.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen, and studies show higher rates of cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer in people exposed to the chemical.

If doctors diagnosed you with cancer after working with or living near facilities that emit ethylene oxide, you may recover compensation through a workers’ compensation claim or consult with an experienced ethylene oxide lawsuit lawyers.

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What Cancers Are Linked to Ethylene Oxide?

Numerous health agencies, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), classify EtO as a human carcinogen.

Regular exposure to the chemical over many years increases the risk of white blood cell cancers, such as:

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Leukemia

Scientific studies also show that ethylene oxide exposure can cause other types of cancer, including breast cancer.

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What Evidence Links EtO to Cancer?

Accumulating scientific evidence links ethylene oxide exposure to cancer, including:

The mounting evidence linking ethylene oxide to cancer has led to increased scrutiny of its use, stricter regulations, and legal actions on behalf of those who developed cancer due to exposure.

Individuals who have worked with or lived near sources of ethylene oxide need to consult medical and legal professionals if they have concerns about their health.

How Are People Exposed to Ethylene Oxide?

The EPA has identified inhalation as the most dangerous form of exposure to EtO. The primary concern is with high levels of exposure, particularly in occupational settings or communities near facilities emitting significant amounts of ethylene oxide.

Workers in industries that use ethylene oxide, such as chemical manufacturing, sterilization facilities, and hospitals, may be exposed through inhalation or skin contact. Occupations at risk include chemical plant workers, sterilization technicians, and healthcare workers handling sterilized equipment.

People living near facilities that emit ethylene oxide into the air, such as chemical plants or sterilization facilities, may be exposed through inhalation. Emissions from these facilities can lead to elevated levels of ethylene oxide in the surrounding air, potentially impacting nearby communities. EPA scientists say EtO is the likely culprit for cancer diagnoses in people who live near facilities with emissions containing the toxic gas.

Regulatory agencies set exposure limits to minimize health risks, but in some cases, exposures may still exceed safe levels, potentially leading to adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer.

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What Industries Emit EtO Gas?

Several industries use ethylene oxide (EtO) gas in their processes, which can lead to emissions:

Medical equipment sterilization:

•       EtO is widely used to sterilize heat-sensitive medical devices, such as surgical kits, catheters, and wound dressings.
•       Commercial sterilization facilities, as well as some hospitals, use EtO for this purpose.

Chemical manufacturing:

•       EtO is used as a raw material in the production of various chemicals, including ethylene glycol (antifreeze), polyester fibers, and detergents.
•       Chemical plants that produce these products may emit EtO during the manufacturing process.

Pharmaceutical industry:

•       EtO is employed in the sterilization of certain pharmaceutical products and packaging materials.
•       Pharmaceutical companies and contract sterilization facilities serving the industry may emit EtO.

Food and spice fumigation:

•       Some food products, particularly spices, are fumigated with EtO to control microbial growth and pests.
•       Facilities that perform these fumigation processes can be sources of EtO emissions.

Cosmetics and personal care products:

•       Certain raw materials used in the production of cosmetics and personal care items may be sterilized with EtO.
•       Manufacturing plants for these products could potentially emit EtO, although emissions from this sector are generally lower compared to others.

Agricultural products:

•       EtO is sometimes used as a pesticide and fumigant for agricultural products, such as grains and nuts.
•       Agricultural facilities using EtO for these purposes may contribute to emissions.

Not all facilities within these industries emit significant amounts of EtO. Emissions can vary depending on factors such as the specific processes used, the effectiveness of emission control measures, and adherence to regulations.

However, these industries generally emit EtO, and facilities with high emissions have come under scrutiny due to health risks to workers and nearby communities.

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Industries that Emit High Levels of EtO

The EPA has identified 23 high-risk EtO sterilization facilities with a cancer-risk rate above acceptable levels:

•  Lakewood, CO – Terumo BCT Sterilization Service
•  Groveland, FL – International Sterilization Laboratory
•  Taunton, MA – Professional Contract Sterilization (PCS)
• Hanover, MD – Elite Spice, Inc.
•  Jessup, MD – Elite Spice Inc.
• Salisbury, MD – Trinity Sterile, Inc.
•  Jackson, MO – Midwest Sterilization Corporation
• Columbus, NE – Becton Dickinson Pharmaceutical Systems
•  Franklin, NJ – Cosmed Group Inc.
• Linden, NJ – ETO Sterilization-Plant #2 (Cosmed)
• Ardmore, OK – LEMCO Ardmore
• Erie, PA – Cosmed Group LLC
• Zelienople, PA – American Contract Systems Inc.
•  Añasco, PR – Edwards Lifesciences
•  Fajardo, PR – Customed, Inc.
• Salinas, PR – Steri-Tech, Inc.
• Villalba, PR – Medtronic PR Operation Co.
•  New Tazewell, TN – DeRoyal Industries
• Memphis, TN – Sterilization Service
• Athens, TX – Steritec, Inc.
• Laredo, TX – Midwest Sterilization Corporation
• Sandy, UT – BD Medical
• Henrico, VA – Sterilization Services of Virginia

What Can I Do if I Think Ethylene Oxide Exposure Caused My Cancer?

If you believe exposure to ethylene oxide caused your cancer, you can protect your health and legal rights.

Consult a healthcare professional

Discuss your concerns with your doctor or an occupational health specialist. Provide them with information about your potential exposure to ethylene oxide, including your work history and any relevant environmental factors. Follow their recommendations for cancer screening, treatment, and monitoring.

Document your exposure history

Gather any records related to your employment at facilities that used or emitted ethylene oxide, such as employment contracts, pay stubs, or work assignments.

If you lived near a facility emitting ethylene oxide, compile any documents or information demonstrating your residence in the affected area. Keep a record of any correspondence or communication with your employer, regulatory agencies, or other parties regarding ethylene oxide exposure.

Consult an experienced personal injury attorney

Contacting a law firm that specializes in toxic tort cases or has experience handling ethylene oxide-related claims is critical. We would be happy to discuss your legal options, which may include pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.

File claims promptly

Talk to a lawyer about the statute of limitations for filing workers’ compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits in your state, as these deadlines can vary. Work with your attorney to file any necessary claims within the appropriate time frame to preserve your legal rights.

Participate in medical monitoring

If you are at increased risk of developing cancer due to ethylene oxide exposure, you may participate in any medical monitoring programs that exist in your area. These programs may provide ongoing screening and surveillance to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Your attorney can advise you on any available medical monitoring options and help you pursue compensation to cover the associated costs.

What Damages Can I Recover in an Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit?

In an ethylene oxide lawsuit, the specific damages available will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. However, common damages include:

Medical expenses

Compensation for past, present, and future medical costs related to the cancer diagnosis and treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medications. Coverage for additional medical expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments, home healthcare services, and medical equipment.

Lost wages/income and earning capacity

Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work as a result of the illness and treatment. Compensation for the loss of future earning capacity if cancer impairs the individual’s ability to work or they cannot return to their previous occupation.

Pain and suffering

Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing effects of the illness. This may include damages for mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of consortium

Compensation for the impact of the illness on the plaintiff’s relationship with their spouse, such as loss of companionship, affection, and support.

Wrongful death

If the individual dies because of ethylene oxide-related cancer, their surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can include damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of love and companionship.

Punitive damages

In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.

Talk With a Lawyer From Cory Watson Attorneys About Your Ethylene Oxide Case

Ernest Cory, Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit Lawyer

The growing body of scientific evidence suggests that exposure to ethylene oxide, a gas commonly used in various industries, can significantly increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and breast cancer.

If you worked in an industry that uses ethylene oxide or lived near a facility that emits this toxic gas and doctors diagnosed you with cancer, we can explain your legal rights and options.

An experienced personal injury attorney who focuses on toxic tort cases can help you navigate the complex process of pursuing compensation for your illness. They can guide you through gathering the necessary evidence, filing claims within the appropriate timeframes, and advocating for your rights every step of the way.

At Cory Watson Attorneys, our dedicated legal team has extensive experience representing individuals and families affected by toxic exposures, including ethylene oxide. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a cancer diagnosis can take, and we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation our clients deserve.

If doctors diagnosed you or a loved one with cancer that ethylene oxide exposure may have caused, don’t wait to take action. Contact the ethylene oxide lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys today at (205) 328-2200 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation. Together, we can hold negligent parties accountable and work toward securing the resources you need to cope with the challenges ahead.

Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form