Texas Residents File Lawsuit Over Ethylene Oxide Exposure and Increased Cancer Rates

Are you living near a facility that uses ethylene oxide and have been diagnosed with cancer? You may have legal recourse.

A growing number of Texas residents are taking legal action against companies they believe exposed them to ethylene oxide (EtO), a toxic gas linked to increased cancer rates. These lawsuits allege that negligent handling and excessive emissions of EtO have led to severe health consequences, including various forms of cancer. This article explores the rising concerns surrounding EtO exposure in Texas, the legal battles that are unfolding, and what options are available to those who have been affected.

Ethylene Oxide: A Hidden Danger

Ethylene oxide is a colorless, flammable gas primarily used to sterilize medical equipment and manufacture other chemicals. While crucial for ensuring the safety of medical devices, EtO is also a known human carcinogen. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified EtO as a substance that can cause cancer, particularly blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as breast cancer.

The EPA estimates that exposure to EtO can increase cancer risks, with some workers in medical sterilization plants facing risks as high as 1 in 10.

The Texas Hotspot

Texas, with its numerous petrochemical facilities and medical sterilization plants, has emerged as a focal point of concern regarding EtO emissions. Several locations throughout the state have been identified as having elevated cancer risks due to EtO exposure.

Longview: A federal lawsuit has been filed against Eastman Chemical Company, alleging that years of excessive EtO emissions from its Longview, Texas, facility caused severe health consequences, including multiple breast cancer diagnoses among nearby residents. The lawsuit claims that the plant emitted “dangerous and/or excessive” amounts of EtO.
Laredo: The Midwest Sterilization Corporation in Laredo has been under scrutiny for elevated cancer rates in the city. Studies have shown significantly greater than expected rates of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer associated with EtO exposure.
Athens: The EPA has determined that exposure to EtO in the area surrounding the Steritec, Inc. commercial sterilizing facility has resulted in an elevated cancer risk in the Athens community. The Steritec facility is among the 23 commercial sterilizers in the country associated with the greatest increases in lifetime cancer risk from EtO.
El Paso: Warehouses storing sterilized medical devices in El Paso have been found to emit dangerous levels of ethylene oxide, increasing cancer risk for nearby residents and workers.

Legal Recourse for Victims

As awareness of the dangers of EtO exposure grows, more Texas residents are filing lawsuits against companies responsible for the emissions. These lawsuits typically allege negligence, claiming that the companies failed to:

Prevent or control the release of dangerous emissions.
Warn residents and workers about the known health risks of EtO exposure.
Implement adequate safety measures to minimize emissions.

To qualify for an Ethylene Oxide exposure lawsuit, you must fulfill the following conditions:

You or a loved one lived near or worked in a sterilization facility that emits EtO.
You or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer or other serious health effects tied to the exposure.
Family members of deceased victims may qualify for wrongful death claims.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

The legal landscape surrounding EtO exposure is complex and evolving. Here are some key points to consider:

Statute of Limitations: There is a deadline to file a lawsuit over exposure to EtO. That deadline is known as a statute of limitations and varies by state.
Types of Cancer: Lawsuits are being filed by individuals diagnosed with leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, and other cancers linked to EtO exposure.
Settlements and Verdicts: Several multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts have already been awarded in EtO exposure cases across the country.
- In 2023, Sterigenics agreed to a \$408 million settlement to resolve multiple lawsuits filed by Illinois residents who were exposed to EtO emitted by the company’s facility in Willowbrook.
- In 2022, a plaintiff was awarded \$363 million in a lawsuit that alleged she developed breast cancer after being exposed to EtO from the Willowbrook Sterigenics plant.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): The TCEQ has faced criticism for its lenient standards on EtO emissions, which are significantly less strict than those of the EPA.

What You Can Do

If you or a loved one has been exposed to ethylene oxide in Texas and subsequently developed cancer, it is crucial to take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Consult with your doctor about your concerns regarding EtO exposure and potential health risks.
Gather Information: Document your exposure history, including the location and duration of your exposure, as well as any relevant medical records.
Consult with an Attorney: Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in toxic exposure cases. They can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you navigate the complex legal process.

The Fight for Accountability

The lawsuits filed by Texas residents against companies responsible for EtO emissions represent a crucial step in holding these companies accountable for their actions. By seeking justice through the legal system, victims can obtain compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Moreover, these lawsuits can help raise awareness of the dangers of EtO exposure and encourage companies to implement stricter safety measures to protect communities from this toxic gas.

A Call to Action

The issue of ethylene oxide exposure in Texas demands immediate attention and action. It is essential for residents, community leaders, and government agencies to work together to:

Increase awareness of the risks associated with EtO exposure.
Advocate for stricter regulations on EtO emissions.
Support research into safer alternatives to EtO sterilization.
Hold companies accountable for their negligent actions.

By taking these steps, we can protect the health and well-being of Texas communities and ensure a cleaner, safer future for all.