Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a highly reactive chemical commonly used in the production of various consumer products, including plastics, textiles, and the sterilization of medical equipment. However, exposure to ethylene oxide has been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and other adverse health effects.
Specifically, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has found high levels of ethylene oxide emissions in the Smyrna, Georgia area, near a Sterigenics facility. Workers at the facility and residents in the area are now filing suit after being exposed to ethylene oxide gas.
Individuals affected by ethylene oxide exposure may be eligible for compensation for their injuries and related damages. If you believe you may have a case, or want to pursue legal options on behalf of a loved one, please contact Phillips Law Group today to start the process.
Potential EtO Exposure Health Complications
In November 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Draft Risk Assessment as part of an ethylene oxide registration review. In the Draft Risk Assessment, the EPA found that “inhaling ethylene oxide over many decades can cause cancer risks of concern.”
Workers, residents, or individuals who have been exposed to EtO may suffer various health complications, including:
- Increased risk of cancer, particularly leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer
- Respiratory issues, such as irritation of the throat, nose, and lungs
- Neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and confusion
- Reproductive and developmental effects, such as miscarriages and birth defects
Smyrna Ethylene Oxide Cancer Investigation
The EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) found that certain census tracts had “potential total cancer risks of greater than 100 in 1 million from exposure to a group of hazardous air pollutants, commonly known as air toxics,” and that in each, most of the risk was assessed to be from the chemical ethylene oxide. “Two of the three identified census tracts are near the Sterigenics facility in Smyrna, Georgia,” the agency noted.
Although Sterigenics is working with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to implement “anti-pollution controls to vastly reduce ethylene oxide emissions at its Smyrna facility,” many workers may have been exposed over the years to this dangerous chemical.
Now, people living near the facility or workers at Sterigenics in Smyrna, Georgia may be eligible to file a lawsuit with the help of experienced lawyers like the ones at Phillips Law Group. But we are also investigating cases surrounding general EtO exposure.
Eligibility for Compensation
To be eligible for compensation related to ethylene oxide exposure, individuals must meet certain criteria:
- Must have been exposed to EtO and subsequently suffered injuries, health effects, or damages
- Must be able to demonstrate the link between the exposure and the harm suffered, supported by medical evidence
Legal action may be pursued against the entities responsible for the release or use of ethylene oxide, such as manufacturers, industrial facilities, or sterilization companies. It may be wise to partner with an experienced attorney – like those on the team at Phillips Law Group – for assistance in seeking legal action regarding this matter.
If you or a loved one was exposed to ethylene oxide and experienced adverse health effects, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, document the exposure, and consult with a qualified attorney to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. In particular, if you’ve been impacted by EtO exposure in Smyrna, Georgia, you should act quickly to determine your legal options.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our firm today to determine whether or not you might have an eligible claim. Call us at 602-222-2222 to get a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Phillips Law Group has been assisting clients in the Phoenix area for more than 30 years, and we want to help. Give us a call today to learn more.
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