In a recent article published on thedailymail.com, by author Stacy Liberatore reported on how many Americans live within a five-mile radius of cancer-causing gas-emitting facilities. Below is a recap of that article.

Approximately 14 Million Americans Are Located Within 5 Miles of Cancer-Causing Gas-Emitting Plants

A recent report indicates that 14 million Americans reside within five miles of 104 facilities producing carcinogenic substances like Ethylene Oxide. These plants are used to sterilize medical equipment and certain food products. They are typically in buildings that have the appearance of warehouses and are located in populated areas near schools. These buildings do not look like plants and can be unasumming.

What is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide, also known as EO or oxirane, is a highly reactive compound used commercially as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals. It is also used for sterilizing:

• medical and dental equipment
• sponges
• some foodstuffs
• and other materials.

Ethylene Oxide Emitting Plants

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) found that some commercial plants emit large quantities of ethylene oxide. These facilities, which resemble warehouses and office buildings, are located in highly populated areas, and there are over 10,000 schools and childcare centers within their vicinity.

It was observed that 12 communities fell within 10 miles of two or more commercial sterilizers

Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not acknowledged the possibility of individuals living near several sources of ethylene oxide being exposed to high levels of the chemical.

Contamination Risk is Higher for Minorities and People of Color

Ethylene oxide poses a unique risk, as the facilities in our analysis tend to affect communities of color, low-income communities, and non-English speaking communities more than others.

How are People Exposed to Ethylene Oxide?

Human exposure to ethylene oxide typically occurs via inhalation and ingestion, which occupational or consumer or environmental factors can cause.

UCS identified 23 commercial sterilizers in the US that were emitting cancer-inducing gas at levels which could result in elevated cancer risk.

Where Are These Chemical Plants?

The 12 sterilizer hotspots are located in:

• Minnesota
• Colorado
• Virginia
• California
• New York City
• New Jersey
• Texas
• and Puerto Rico.

Facts Regarding Ethylene Oxide-Emitting Plants

• According to the UCS, approximately 13% of Puerto Rico's population live within a five-mile radius of a commercial sterilizer, and four out of the 23 facilities flagged by the EPA as posing higher cancer risks are located in Puerto Rico.
• The United Sterilizer Company identified 23 commercial sterilizers in the US that were found to produce cancer-causing gases at levels posing elevated risk. Regions such as New York City and New Jersey bear high concentrations of these sterilizers.
• In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its inaugural ethylene oxide emissions policy, which was seen by UCS as relatively insubstantial.
• In 2005, the government agency proposed forbidding new commercial facilities from utilizing the gas, requiring them to use alternatives.
• The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal was met with resistance from industry groups such as the American Chemistry Council, thus leading to its cancellation.
• The Clean Air Act mandates the EPA to reassess and revise its ethylene oxide emissions standards every eight years, with the most recent action taking place in 2006.
• The Texas Department of State Health Services recorded a few cases of cancer surrounding a commercial sterilizer in Laredo, Texas, as reported last year.
• The research conducted examined cancer diagnoses from 2006 to 2019 and revealed a significantly elevated number of lymphocytic leukemia and breast cancer cases.

If you are concerned that you might live by one of these plants, contact Class Action 101.