What are the most common health conditions claimed in Ethylene Oxide lawsuits?

Many lawsuits involving exposure to Ethylene Oxide (EtO) center on serious medical diagnoses experienced by individuals who lived or worked near commercial sterilization facilities. These lawsuits claim that prolonged exposure to EtO emissions from plants like the Sterigenics facility in Smyrna, Georgia, or the Willowbrook facility in Illinois, led to harmful health outcomes due to the chemical’s carcinogenic and toxic properties. Plaintiffs frequently cite the following health conditions in EtO-related legal claims: <ul> <li>Breast cancer</li> <li>Lymphocytic leukemia</li> <li>Non-Hodgkin lymphoma</li> <li>Kidney cancer</li> <li>Pancreatic cancer</li> <li>Stomach cancer</li> <li>Brain cancer</li> <li>Lung cancer</li> <li>Myeloid leukemia</li> <li>Reproductive harm (e.g., miscarriages or fertility issues)</li> <li>Neurological problems</li> <li>Respiratory issues including pulmonary edema</li> </ul> These claims are supported by assessments from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classify ethylene oxide as a Group 1 human carcinogen. Individuals pursuing lawsuits are typically seeking compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages linked to their conditions.

Why are Ethylene Oxide emissions still allowed if the chemical is so dangerous?

Despite being recognized as a cancer-causing agent by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), ethylene oxide (EtO) is still permitted for use under strict regulatory oversight because of its critical role in sterilizing medical devices. For many types of equipment, especially heat-sensitive or complex instruments, EtO remains one of the few effective sterilizing agents over other chemicals. Federal and state agencies, including the EPA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have implemented tighter emissions standards, workplace exposure limits, and facility monitoring procedures to reduce health risks. However, critics argue that these measures are not sufficient to protect the surrounding communities or employees, particularly when facilities fail to comply with existing rules or when regulations lag behind scientific findings. The balance between public health protection and the medical industry’s reliance on EtO has made its continued use a major topic of concern in both environmental and legal discussions.

What is the current status of the Sterigenics lawsuit?

As of 2025, the Sterigenics lawsuit remains active in multiple jurisdictions, with hundreds of claims still pending. In one high-profile case in Illinois, a Cook County jury awarded a $363 million plaintiff verdict to a woman who developed cancer after years of exposure near the company’s Willowbrook sterilization plant. This was one of several lawsuits filed by residents who alleged long-term harm from ethylene oxide emissions. Sterigenics has issued public statements denying liability, maintaining that their operations complied with all applicable regulations. The Sterigenics statement following the Illinois verdict noted that the company has not admitted any wrongdoing despite the outcome, and they continue to defend against additional claims. The current status of other lawsuits, such as those tied to the Cobb County, Georgia facility, includes settlements and ongoing legal filings, with more individuals coming forward as awareness grows.

What are the long term consequences of Ethylene Oxide exposure?

Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide has been linked to a wide range of health complications, particularly for individuals who live or work near sterilization plants or facilities that release EtO into the air. Many people exposed over time have developed severe medical conditions, including certain cancers, reproductive harm, and chronic respiratory issues. In cases involving aggressive blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma, treatment may require a stem cell transplant to restore bone marrow function after chemotherapy. The need for such intensive medical intervention is part of why so many victims are coming forward to file lawsuits and seek compensation for the lasting impact of EtO exposure.

What types of facilities are most likely to use Ethylene Oxide for sterilization?

Ethylene oxide is commonly used as a sterilizing agent in facilities that need to eliminate microbial contamination from heat- or moisture-sensitive products. These include a wide range of industrial, medical, and laboratory environments where traditional methods like steam sterilization are not suitable. The types of facilities that are most likely to use EtO sterilization include: <ul> <li>Medical device manufacturers</li> <li>Pharmaceutical packaging and equipment plants</li> <li>Hospitals with specialized sterilization departments</li> <li>Dental product manufacturers</li> <li>Veterinary surgical supply providers</li> <li>Contract sterilization companies</li> <li>Biotech and laboratory research facilities</li> <li>Food and spice processing plants (in limited cases)</li> </ul> These facilities often operate under regulatory oversight due to the toxic emissions associated with ethylene oxide use, but long-term exposure risks persist, especially for surrounding communities and plant workers.