Ethylene Oxide (EtO)

Legal Representation for Ethylene Oxide Exposure Injuries

Ethylene oxide (“EtO”) is a gas classified as a human carcinogen that is used by companies across the country, particularly sterilization companies. If emitted without proper controls or regulations into the environment, local residents and workers are exposed to harmful levels, leading to a significant increase in various cancers and other serious health issues, including:

• Breast Cancer
• Leukemia
• Brain and Nervous System Damage
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Lung Cancer
• Bladder and Stomach Cancer
• Birth Defects
• Miscarriages and Infertility

 
For decades, Sterigenics International operated a sterilization plant in Willowbrook, Illinois, releasing toxic levels of ethylene oxide into the environment. In 2019, under intense public pressure, Sterigenics permanently closed its Willowbrook facility after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published data indicating that individuals living and working near the plant were at a significantly higher risk of developing cancer.

In early 2023, the parent company of Sterigenics announced a $408 million settlement for more than 800 lawsuits related to ethylene oxide exposure. Later that year, Sterigenics agreed to settle 79 claims in Georgia for $35 million arising out of EtO emissions from its plant outside of Atlanta.

Since then, new diagnoses of cancer and other illnesses linked to EtO exposure continue to disproportionately affect families in Willowbrook and other areas of emissions. Passen Powell Jenkins is currently representing more than 90 individuals in litigation pending in Cook County, Illinois, who developed more recent diagnoses related to this toxic EtO exposure.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious illness or death due to ethylene oxide exposure, contact us for a free consultation. Call our office at 312-527-4500, email us at info@passenpowell.com, or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.