Ethylene Oxide Exposure: Texas Cancer Victims File Lawsuits

Are you or a loved one battling cancer after exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO) in Texas? You may not be alone. Recent lawsuits are shedding light on the dangers of EtO emissions and their link to cancer, particularly in communities near industrial facilities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified ethylene oxide as “one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals.” Despite this, numerous facilities in Texas continue to release this toxic gas, leading to increased cancer risks for nearby residents. In fact, the EPA reports that individuals living near facilities emitting EtO face a 1 in 10,000 increased risk of developing cancer. If you’ve been affected, understanding your legal options is crucial.

What is Ethylene Oxide and Why is it Dangerous?

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a colorless, flammable gas primarily used to sterilize medical equipment and fumigate certain food products. While effective at killing bacteria and viruses, EtO is also a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can significantly increase the risk of developing various cancers, including:

Breast cancer
Leukemia (ALL, AML, CLL, and Hairy Cell Leukemia)
Lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin)
Multiple myeloma

EtO enters the body primarily through inhalation, spreading throughout and reacting with DNA, potentially leading to genetic mutations and tumor development.

Ethylene Oxide Exposure in Texas: A Growing Concern

Texas is home to numerous commercial sterilization facilities and other industrial operations that emit EtO. More than 1.1 million Texans live within five miles of at least one of these facilities, raising concerns about widespread exposure and potential health consequences.

Several Texas communities have been identified as hotspots for EtO emissions and elevated cancer risks, including:

Laredo: The Midwest Sterilization facility in Laredo has been a focal point of community concern, with nearly 95% of residents within five miles identifying as people of color.
Grand Prairie: Sterigenics and Cosmed of Texas operate less than a mile apart in Grand Prairie, exposing over 240,000 people and roughly 100 schools and childcare centers to potential EtO emissions.
El Paso: Steris Isomedix and Dynatec Scientific Laboratories are located less than two miles apart in El Paso, creating another area of heightened concern.
Athens: The EPA has determined that exposure to EtO in the area surrounding the Steritec, Inc. facility has resulted in an elevated cancer risk in the Athens community.
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 for local residents, including multiple breast cancer diagnoses.

These communities, often with large minority and low-income populations, face a disproportionate burden from EtO exposure.

Recent Lawsuits and Legal Developments

Victims of EtO exposure are increasingly taking legal action against companies responsible for emissions. Recent developments include:

Eastman Chemical Lawsuit: A federal lawsuit has been filed against Eastman Chemical Company in Longview, Texas, alleging that years of excessive EtO emissions caused multiple breast cancer diagnoses among nearby residents.
Cosmed Group Bankruptcy: Cosmed Group Inc., a sterilization company with a facility in Grand Prairie, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Houston, Texas, in the face of growing litigation over its use of EtO.
Sterigenics Settlements: Sterigenics and its parent company, Sotera Health, have faced numerous lawsuits and settlements related to EtO emissions from their Willowbrook, Illinois facility, including a $408 million settlement with over 870 claimants.
Steris Settlement: Steris Corporation agreed to pay up to $48.15 million to settle personal injury lawsuits tied to EtO emissions from its former sterilization facility in Waukegan, Illinois.
B. Braun Settlement: B. Braun, a medical device manufacturer, reached a confidential settlement to resolve the majority of lawsuits alleging that emissions from its Lehigh County, Pennsylvania facility exposed residents to toxic levels of EtO.

These cases highlight the growing awareness of EtO’s dangers and the potential for victims to seek compensation for their injuries.

EPA Regulations and Texas’ Response

The EPA has been working to strengthen regulations on EtO emissions from commercial sterilization facilities. In March 2024, the agency issued a rule to slash toxic emissions, aiming to eliminate about 90% of EtO emissions nationwide. The new rule requires facilities to install pollution-control equipment, conduct continuous emissions monitoring, and file quarterly reports to the EPA.

However, Texas’ response to the EtO issue has been controversial. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has historically disagreed with the EPA’s assessment of EtO’s dangers, even attempting to enact a standard that could allow plants to emit more of the chemical. While the TCEQ has stated it will implement the new EPA standard, concerns remain about the state’s commitment to protecting communities from EtO exposure.

Do You Have a Claim?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to ethylene oxide in Texas, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for damages such as:

Medical expenses
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Loss of consortium

Who is at risk?

Workers in EtO sterilization plants
Hospital staff who handle sterilized equipment
Transport workers who handle medical equipment
Residents who live near sterilization plants

To pursue a claim, it’s essential to gather evidence of your exposure and connect your health condition to EtO emissions. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and determine the best course of action.

Time is limited to file a claim, so don’t delay seeking legal advice. Contact a qualified Texas attorney today to discuss your case and protect your rights.

Have you or a loved one been affected by ethylene oxide exposure in Texas?