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US EPA releases new Sterigenics test results

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Today the US EPA released the results of 2 ambient air tests that were conducted near the Sterigenics site. These test results are still being analyzed by experts, but one thing is clear – these new test results confirm our position that this is an immediate public health threat, a health crisis that most dangerously affects hundreds of children and families in the immediate area.

More at the link.

* Tribune…

Another round of air monitoring near Sterigenics detected alarming levels of cancer-causing ethylene oxide near the west suburban facility, but federal officials cautioned Friday that they need more information before deciding if neighboring communities are still at risk.

Spikes of the highly toxic chemical were detected in samples collected during three days in mid-November at Willowbrook Village Hall and a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warehouse, according to results posted online by the EPA. Both monitors are close to a pair of buildings off Illinois Route 83 and Interstate 55 where Sterigenics uses ethylene oxide to sterilize medical equipment, pharmaceutical drugs and food.

The highest average level of ethylene oxide detected during a 24-hour period was 6.62 micrograms per cubic meter of air, more than three times greater than the amount that federal officials relied on earlier this year to calculate potential cancer risks in the area.

However, six other monitors — located at schools and in nearby residential areas — did not register measurable amounts of ethylene oxide during the same testing period, the EPA reported.

The latest results are the first posted since the company installed new equipment intended to reduce the amount of ethylene oxide leaking from its sterilization chambers. EPA officials said they won’t be able to determine if neighbors are in danger until the agency has completed three months of community air monitoring and plugs the results into its computer modeling of pollution emitted by Sterigenics.

* Sterigenics…

“Sterigenics is reviewing the results of the initial air sample tests from the US EPA, but it is no surprise that the samples indicate variable levels of ethylene oxide (“EO”) in the air. We note from the samples that all of the residential, parks, and school locations selected for testing had non-detect readings. The two locations in the commercial area next to our Willowbrook facilities had variable levels of EO detected. As is commonly known, EO levels in the air vary greatly based on a number of factors including proximity to sources of EO, of which there are many including exhaust from diesel trucks and automobiles, and the weather conditions on the days that samples were collected.

“”As the EPA states, “It is premature to draw conclusions from the data. EPA plans to continue monitoring in the Willowbrook area for three months and will continue to post data as it becomes available.” We will continue to work with the EPA to understand the results and will continue to cooperate fully.

“Sterigenics has operated, and continues to operate, well within the limits of its permit and the regulations. By properly controlling emissions while preventing life-threatening infection, the Willowbrook facility serves to safeguard global health every day. Sterigenics remains committed to working with public officials to evolve regulations in the continued interest of public safety.”

…Adding… US Rep. Dan Lipinski…

Despite Sterigenics’ claims that it isn’t a public health threat, and despite their new pollution control equipment, initial EPA testing has shown significant EtO emissions around the facility. While more testing will be occurring, this preliminary data confirms my belief that this plant is a threat to public health and unless data is provided to the contrary, I maintain that this plant should be shut down.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 7, 18 @ 3:57 pm

Comments

Regardless of these tests, there are still an unusual number of cancer cases in the community, right? So if Sterigenics isn’t the problem (unlikely) what is?

Comment by Perrid Friday, Dec 7, 18 @ 4:02 pm
unusual number of cancer cases—and that is a question to be differentiated in each such characterized cluster—- in the community may not correlate to one cause. I’ve seen that before. we don’t know the full story for this instance. but this coalition of activists is to be commended for their dogged determination to bringing this chemical issue to wide public discussion. more info needed.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Dec 7, 18 @ 4:18 pm
Either the AG or DuPage State Attorney should get an injunction and shut this place down immediately. This is a travesty

Comment by DuPage Saint Friday, Dec 7, 18 @ 4:30 pm