Sterigenics Lawsuit for Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit Overview

Sterigenics is a prominent medical sterilization company specializing in the use of ethylene oxide (EtO) to sterilize medical equipment.

EtO is effective for sterilizing heat-sensitive devices but is also recognized as a human carcinogen, posing significant cancer risks.

Communities and workers near Sterigenics facilities have reported health concerns due to toxic exposure from EtO emissions.

Notably, the Sterigenics Willowbrook plant in Illinois has faced scrutiny after reports linked its emissions to increased cancer rates, leading to its closure in 2019.

In September 2022, a jury awarded $363 million to a plaintiff alleging that EtO emissions from this facility caused her breast cancer.

Subsequently, in January 2023, Sterigenics and its parent company, Sotera Health, agreed to a $408 million settlement to resolve over 870 lawsuits related to EtO emissions from the Willowbrook plant.

Sterigenics has also settled 79 claims in Georgia for $35 million, addressing allegations of harmful EtO exposure near its Atlanta-area facility.

Additional lawsuits are being investigated for individuals who were exposed to ethylene oxide emissions near other Sterigenics facilities in Georgia (and potentially other states).

If you or a loved one were exposed to ethylene oxide emissions from a Sterigenics plant, you may be eligible to file a Sterigenics Lawsuit.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for an Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit instantly.

What Sterigenics Plants Emit Large Volumes of EtO Emissions?

The Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide litigation is still developing, with ongoing research to identify specific plants, exposure levels, and affected communities.

We are currently only accepting claims from specific locations, but additional sites may be added as more information emerges.

The facilities listed below are among those known to emit large volumes of EtO, raising concerns about toxic exposure and increased cancer risks for nearby residents and workers.

Notable Sterigenics facilities with significant EtO emissions:

• Willowbrook, Illinois: This facility faced scrutiny after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified elevated EtO concentrations in the surrounding area, leading to its closure in 2019.
• Vernon, California: Located in an industrial area, this plant has been under investigation by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) due to high EtO emission levels, prompting actions to reduce emissions and protect public health.
• Ontario, California: This facility has been monitored for EtO emissions, with investigations conducted to assess potential impacts on nearby communities.
• Atlanta, Georgia: The Sterigenics facility in Smyrna, near Atlanta, has been scrutinized for EtO emissions, leading to community concerns, lawsuits, and regulatory attention.​
• Santa Teresa, New Mexico: This plant has been identified among facilities emitting EtO, with ongoing evaluations of its environmental impact.​
• Queensbury, New York: This Sterigenics facility has been operational since 1994, using EtO to sterilize medical devices.

These facilities have been subjects of regulatory investigations and community concerns due to their EtO emissions, highlighting the need for stringent monitoring and emission control measures.​

Why Does Sterigenics Use Ethylene Oxide as a Sterilizing Agent?

Sterigenics uses ethylene oxide (EtO) because it is one of the most effective methods for sterilizing heat- and moisture-sensitive medical devices that cannot withstand traditional steam or radiation sterilization.

EtO can penetrate packaging and complex materials, ensuring that medical instruments, surgical tools, and pharmaceutical products are free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

As a medical sterilization company, Sterigenics processes large volumes of equipment, making EtO a practical choice for mass sterilization.

Despite its effectiveness, EtO is a known human carcinogen, and its emissions have raised concerns about toxic exposure for workers and nearby communities.

Lawsuits against Sterigenics argue that the company failed to properly control EtO levels, putting public health at risk.

Do You Qualify for a Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit?

Sterigenics owns several sterilization plants across the country, and many of these locations have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as sources of hazardous EtO emissions, posing increased cancer risks to nearby communities and workers.

Individuals who lived or worked near these facilities and have been diagnosed with breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or other serious illnesses may qualify to file a lawsuit.

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a cancer-causing chemical, and long-term exposure has been linked to genetic damage and higher cancer rates.

Communities and workers exposed to unsafe EtO levels—particularly near plants in Illinois, Georgia, California, and other affected locations—may have legal options.

To qualify, claimants typically need medical records confirming a diagnosis, proof of residence or employment near a Sterigenics facility, and documentation of exposure levels.

Lawsuits allege that Sterigenics negligently released toxic EtO emissions, failed to warn the public, and ignored known health risks.

If you or a loved one developed cancer after exposure to EtO near a Sterigenics plant, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free case evaluation using the chat feature on this page.

Our attorneys can help you gather evidence to build a strong case and assess damages to advocate for maximum compensation.

Evidence for a Sterigenics Lawsuit

Building a strong Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit requires clear evidence and documentation linking toxic emissions from Sterigenics facilities to serious health conditions.

Plaintiffs must provide medical records, proof of exposure, and scientific evidence demonstrating the cancer-causing effects of EtO.

Communities and workers exposed near Sterigenics plants may have additional evidence, such as air quality reports and regulatory violations, to support their claims.

Our legal team can help gather and analyze this evidence to establish Sterigenics’ liability for failing to control hazardous emissions.

Evidence for an EtO Exposure Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records confirming a diagnosis of breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or other EtO-related illnesses
• Proof of residence or employment near a Sterigenics facility or other EtO-emitting site
• Environmental and air quality reports showing elevated EtO levels in affected areas
• Regulatory violations and emissions data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies
• Scientific studies and expert testimony linking EtO exposure to increased cancer risks
• Company documents and internal communications showing knowledge of EtO’s health hazards
• Witness statements and community reports detailing prolonged exposure and related health effects

If you or a loved one were exposed to EtO and developed cancer, gathering this evidence is crucial for your case.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit instantly.

Damages in a Sterigenics Lawsuit

In a lawsuit, damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to victims for the physical, financial, and emotional harm they have suffered due to another party’s negligence.

In Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Lawsuits, plaintiffs seek damages for the medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from toxic exposure.

Many individuals exposed to cancer-causing chemicals from Sterigenics facilities now face serious health conditions, ongoing treatments, and permanent life changes.

A lawsuit can help recover both economic and non-economic damages, making sure that victims receive compensation for the devastating impact of long-term EtO exposure.

Potential Damages in a Sterigenics Lawsuit:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future cancer treatments, surgeries, medications)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity due to illness or disability
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one to EtO-related cancer
• Future medical costs for continued treatment and rehabilitation
• Loss of quality of life caused by chronic illness or disability

If you or a loved one suffered serious health effects due to exposure from a Sterigenics facility, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit instantly.

Health Effects of Exposure to Ethylene Oxide Emissions

Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions has been linked to serious health risks, particularly for individuals living or working near sterilization facilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institute of Health, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (a division of the World Health Organization), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other prominent agencies have classified EtO as a human carcinogen, meaning there is strong scientific evidence that prolonged exposure increases cancer risk.

Communities and workers exposed to uncontrolled EtO emissions face a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and other lymphohematopoietic cancers.

In addition to its cancer-causing properties, EtO has been associated with neurological damage, reproductive toxicity, and immune system suppression.

Studies have also shown that EtO can cause genetic mutations, increasing the likelihood of birth defects and long-term health complications.

The risks are particularly high for workers in sterilization plants and individuals in surrounding areas who unknowingly inhaled EtO for extended periods.

Lawsuits against Sterigenics and other medical sterilization companies allege that these emissions have led to widespread health problems, resulting in severe medical and financial burdens for affected individuals.

Known Health Effects of Ethylene Oxide Exposure:

• Breast cancer
• Lymphohematopoietic cancers (lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoid cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Reproductive effects (miscarriages, infertility, birth defects)
• Immune system suppression
• Genetic mutations and cellular damage

Symptoms of Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Exposed workers and communities may experience a range of symptoms subsequent to exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO).

Symptoms can develop in both community and occupational settings, affecting local residents living near sterilization facilities and workers handling EtO directly.

Respiratory irritation is one of the most common early signs of exposure, leading to symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and throat discomfort.

Long-term exposure has been linked to neurological effects, including memory loss, impaired coordination, and peripheral neuropathy.

The general population nearby sterilization facilities who have been exposed to toxic EtO emissions also report persistent fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

In some cases, symptoms may appear mild at first but worsen over time, potentially indicating chronic health complications or cancer development.

Common Symptoms of Ethylene Oxide Exposure:

• Respiratory irritation (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath)
• Eye and skin irritation (burning, redness, rashes)
• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Impaired coordination and balance issues
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, muscle weakness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and general weakness

TorHoerman Law: Investigating Lawsuits for Sterigenics Plant Emissions

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have developed cancer and other serious health conditions due to ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure from Sterigenics facilities.

Communities near these sterilization plants have faced increased health risks, while Sterigenics and its parent company, Sotera Health, failed to properly control emissions or warn the public about the dangers of long-term exposure.

Legal action is holding these companies accountable for the harm caused by toxic emissions, and victims may be eligible for compensation.

Our law firm has decades of experience securing compensation for individuals harmed by powerful corporations.

We are committed to helping victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.

If you lived or worked near a Sterigenics facility and were diagnosed with breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or other serious illnesses, you may have a case.

There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a Sterigenics Lawsuit instantly.