Ethylene Oxide Alert: Understanding the Leukemia Risk and Your Legal Options

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a chemical compound that, while useful in various industries, poses a significant health risk, particularly concerning leukemia. Recent reports indicate that long-term exposure to ethylene oxide can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. If you or a loved one has been exposed to ethylene oxide and subsequently diagnosed with leukemia, understanding the risks and your legal options is crucial.

What is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet odor. It is primarily used in the production of other chemicals, including antifreeze, textiles, detergents, and adhesives. EtO is also utilized as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment and a fumigating agent for spices.

Ethylene Oxide Exposure: Who is at Risk?

Exposure to ethylene oxide can occur in several ways, affecting different populations:

Workers in EtO Sterilization Plants: Employees in medical equipment sterilization facilities face the highest risk due to direct handling of the chemical.
Hospital Staff: Nurses and technicians who regularly handle sterilized equipment may also be exposed to dangerous levels of EtO.
Transport Workers: Truck drivers and warehouse employees involved in transporting or storing medical equipment are potentially at risk.
Nearby Residents: Individuals living near sterilization plants can be exposed to harmful EtO emissions released into the surrounding environment.
Consumers: The general population may also be exposed through tobacco smoke and the use of products that have been sterilized with ethylene oxide, such as medical products, cosmetics, and beekeeping equipment.

The Leukemia Risk: Understanding the Connection

The link between ethylene oxide exposure and leukemia has been a growing concern, supported by multiple studies and reports.

Carcinogenicity: Ethylene oxide is classified as a known human carcinogen by the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Increased Risk: Studies on workers exposed to ethylene oxide have shown an increased risk of lymphohematopoietic cancers, including leukemia and breast cancer.
Specific Types of Leukemia: Ethylene oxide exposure has been specifically linked to an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Recent Ethylene Oxide Lawsuits and Settlements

Victims and their surviving loved ones are suing because they developed leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or breast cancer due to ethylene oxide exposure. These lawsuits are being filed against the companies that released ethylene oxide into the air and did not warn or try to protect residents.

Sterigenics Settlement: In January 2023, Sterigenics agreed to pay $408 million to settle 870 ethylene oxide lawsuits related to a plant in Willowbrook, Illinois.
Georgia Verdict: In May 2025, a jury in Georgia awarded a retired truck driver $20 million in a lawsuit against C.R. Bard, a company that owned an ethylene oxide sterilization plant. The driver developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after years of exposure to EtO.
Steris Corporation Settlement: In June 2025, Steris Corporation reached a $48 million settlement for lawsuits related to its ethylene oxide plant in Waukegan, Illinois.

Legal Options for Ethylene Oxide Exposure Victims

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukemia or another related cancer after exposure to ethylene oxide, you may have legal recourse.

Who Can File a Lawsuit?

Residency: Individuals who have lived near a facility emitting ethylene oxide for at least one year may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Employment: Workers who have been exposed to ethylene oxide for at least one year before a cancer diagnosis may also be eligible.
Qualifying Diagnosis: A diagnosis of leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or breast cancer is typically required.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical treatment costs.
Lost Wages: Recovery of lost income due to illness and treatment.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Punitive Damages: In cases of negligence or reckless behavior by the responsible parties, punitive damages may be awarded.
Wrongful Death Damages: Family members of deceased victims may be eligible for compensation related to funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Steps to Take

Seek Medical Evaluation: Obtain a medical diagnosis to connect your health condition to ethylene oxide exposure.
Document Exposure: Gather records and details about your exposure, whether through work or proximity to sterilization facilities.
Consult a Legal Professional: An experienced attorney can assess your case and determine if you’re eligible for compensation.

Recent Regulatory Changes and Updates

The EPA has been actively working to reduce ethylene oxide emissions and protect communities.

New Regulations: In January 2025, the EPA released an Interim Decision for Ethylene Oxide, including reduced concentration limits for medical device sterilization cycles and lowered worker exposure limits.
Emission Standards: The EPA finalized a rule in March 2024 to reduce emissions from chemical sterilizers by an estimated 90%.
Continuous Monitoring: New regulations require continuous emissions monitoring and quarterly reports for many commercial sterilizers.

Advice

If you believe you have been exposed to ethylene oxide, consider the following:

Reduce Exposure: Avoid cigarette smoke and limit time spent in areas with potential EtO sources.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in workplaces where EtO is used.
Protective Equipment: Use appropriate protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, when handling EtO.
Medical Testing: Undergo medical tests to determine if you have been exposed to ethylene oxide.

Conclusion

Ethylene oxide exposure presents a significant risk of developing leukemia and other cancers. Understanding the sources of exposure, the associated health risks, and your legal options is essential for protecting your health and seeking justice. If you or a loved one has been affected by ethylene oxide exposure, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.