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.
