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TorHoerman Law Joins Trial Counsel in Georgia Sterigenics EtO Cancer Case

Sterigenics Faces Mounting Lawsuits Over Ethylene Oxide Emissions Amid Widening Public Health Crisis

ATLANTA, GA. – Sterigenics is facing a surge of lawsuits nationwide as communities demand accountability for toxic ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions, which have triggered a widening public health crisis and heightened scrutiny of the company’s sterilization practices.

Ethylene oxide is a gas used in sterilization and manufacturing, and long-term exposure may lead to serious health risks.

In a high-profile case set for trial in March 2026, TorHoerman Law will serve as trial counsel alongside The Hammers Law Firm, Zinns Law, and Ashby Thelen Lowry.

This trial will shine a national spotlight on bio-technological services company Sterigenics U.S. and its facility in Smyrna, Georgia, near Atlanta.

TorHoerman Law Joins Trial Counsel in Georgia Sterigenics EtO Cancer Case

The upcoming trial centers on allegations that Sterigenics emitted dangerous levels of EtO, exposing nearby residents and workers to a known human carcinogen.

EtO is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong scientific evidence linking long-term exposure to certain cancers.

Plaintiffs argue that Sterigenics knew about the carcinogenic risks of EtO but failed to take adequate precautions to properly contain this dangerous chemical and prevent public harm.

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The Complaint

The complaint was filed by Georgia resident Emma Bonner who was diagnosed with chronic lymphoid leukemia after living and working within a few miles of the Smyrna facility for decades.

Sterigenics released thousands of pounds of EtO into the air annually and air modeling revealed levels of EtO up to 61 times higher than Georgia’s Acceptable Ambient Concentration.

According to a National Air Toxics Assessment report done by the EPA in 2018, around Smyrna, ethylene oxide causes about 70 of the 114 extra cases of cancer for every million people exposed over their lifetimes.

The EPA then failed to inform residents of these communities of what they found.

The complaint further alleges Sterigenics failed to disclose multiple leaks, knowingly emitted dangerous levels of EtO, and prioritized economic gain over public safety.

Public outrage over the Sterigenics facility in Smyrna has grown over the past several years as more residents have come forward with cancer diagnoses and other illnesses believed to be linked to EtO exposure.

Regulatory agencies have been slow to respond, prompting private litigation as a key path to accountability.

One such lawsuit led to a $35 million settlement in Gwinnett County, GA.

The March 2026 trial reflects a broader trend of successful EtO litigation.

In Cook County, Illinois, Sterigenics was hit with a $363 million verdict in 2022, followed by a $408 million global settlement in 2023.

International operations are also under fire, including a now-closed facility in the Toronto area.

TorHoerman Law is dedicated to securing justice for those harmed by this preventable public health crisis and is set to be a part of the May 2026 trial team for this crucial case.

If you or a loved one lived or worked near the Sterigenics facility in Smyrna, Georgia, and developed a related illness, contact TorHoerman Law today at (888) 508-6752 to see how we can help.

TorHoerman Law (THL) is a people-focused mass tort and personal injury law firm with offices in Georgia, Illinois, and Missouri.

THL has recovered more than $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients.

Most notably, the firm achieved a $495 million verdict in a NEC/baby formula trial against Abbott Laboratories in the summer of 2024.

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Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

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$495 Million
Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

In this case, we obtained a verdict of $495 Million for our client’s child who was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis after consuming baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.

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In this case, we were able to successfully recover $20 Million for our client after they suffered a Toxic Tort Injury due to chemical exposure.

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COX-2 Inhibitors Injury

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $103.8 Million for our client after they suffered a COX-2 Inhibitors Injury.

$4 Million
Traumatic Brain Injury

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $4 Million for our client after they suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury while at daycare.

$2.8 Million
Defective Heart Device

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $2.8 Million for our client after they suffered an injury due to a Defective Heart Device.

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Have A Case?

Here, at TorHoerman Law, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.

Since 2009, we have successfully collected over $4 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.

Would you like our help?

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You can learn more about the Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit by visiting any of our pages listed below:
Ethylene Oxide Exposure Risks
Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit
Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Lawsuit
Sterigenics Lawsuit Atlanta
Sterigenics Lawsuit for Ethylene Oxide Exposure
What is Ethylene Oxide Used For and Why is it Dangerous?

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