"The rule would cut ethylene oxide releases at sterilization facilities by more than 90 percent."

"EPA on Thursday announced new regulations to slash releases of a cancer-causing compound used by dozens of medical equipment sterilization plants, often located in heavily populated and marginalized communities.

The final rule is the latest of a series for various industries, including many chemical manufacturers, to account for a 2016 finding that ethylene oxide was much more dangerous than previously thought.

The rule, stronger in some respects than a draft released last year, will eventually cut emissions of ethylene oxide by sterilization facilities by more than 90 percent, according to an agency forecast."

Sean Reilly reports for E&E News March 14, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Tightens Limits On A Chemical Used To Sterilize Medical Equipment, Citing Cancer Risk" (AP) [3]

"EPA Curbs Cancer-Causing Chemical Used To Sterilize Medical Devices" (Washington Post) [4]

"E.P.A. Sets Limits on Carcinogenic Gas Used to Sterilize Medical Devices" (New York Times) [5]