Environmental Protection Agency to host virtual Henrico community meeting June 20 about ethylene oxide risks
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a community meeting for residents of Henrico County June 20 at 6 p.m. to share information about health risks from the chemical ethylene oxide, or EtO. During the meeting, EPA staff members will discuss revised risk information related to the Sterilization Services of Virginia commercial sterilizer facility, located at 5674 Eastport Boulevard in Eastern Henrico.
EtOis a colorless gas used to make other chemicals that are used in making a range of products, including antifreeze, textiles, plastics, detergents and adhesives. EtO also is used to sterilize equipment and plastic devices that cannot be sterilized by steam, such as medical equipment. EtO use can contribute to increased cancer risk.
EPA has proposed an air toxics rule for EtO sterilizers and a Proposed Interim Decision for Protective Standards under the Pesticide Control Law for EtO, which is out for public comment.
The agency is sharing EtO emissions data and information with the public to solicit feedback during the formal comment period. EPA is attempting to improve public understanding of the risk; help states, tribes, communities, and the industry reduce risk from EtO in the near-term; and hear input as the agency continues to develop regulations to reduce air pollution from commercial sterilizers.
EPA officials will be joined by federal and state environmental and health officials to address questions, comments, and concerns from the public, including Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality staff, who will discuss work they are doing in partnership with Sterilization Services of Virginia to reduce emissions and risk.
In August, EPA will host an in-person meeting to address the community’s concerns with Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and EtO. Officials intend to release specific details about the date and time of the meeting soon.
To register for the June 20 virtual meeting, click here.
For details about the EPA’s efforts to address ethylene oxide, click here.
Contact the EPA about the EtO issue by e-mailing eto@epa.gov.
