Durbin, Duckworth, Schneider Applaud New EPA Rule Restricting Dangerous Ethylene Oxide Emissions
Press Release
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“EPA is tasked with protecting the public from environmental harms, including toxic ethylene oxide that has proven to be carcinogenic. I am relieved that EPA is taking a monumental step forward in cementing a historic rule that will hold commercial stabilizers accountable for the emissions put off by their operations. With this new rule, I hope that we can prevent more communities like Willowbrook from being exposed to harmful air that shackles Illinoisans with serious diagnoses, including cancer. Our communities deserve better, and with this new rule, Illinoisans can breathe cleaner, safer air.
For too long, EtO emissions from commercial sterilization facilities have damaged public health in surrounding communities and significantly increased the risk of nearby residents developing cancer in their lifetimes,” said Duckworth. “As co-chair and co-founder of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus, I’ve long pushed the EPA to take stronger actions on EtO and I’m proud this new rule will help us reduce these toxic emissions, advance environmental justice and change the fate of health outcomes in disadvantaged communities in Illinois and across the country, bringing us closer to our goal of protecting every American’s right to breathe safe air.
I commend the EPA for finalizing regulations in a way that will reduce EtO emissions by more than 90% at facilities across the country,” said Schneider. “I appreciate that the EPA followed the science to keep Americans safe while also ensuring safe, reliable supply chains forhospitals, physicians and patients. I have long fought for sensible regulations to address EtO air emissions and assist impacted communities. Today's regulations will rightly require continuous air monitoring to assure communities that the air they breathe is safe, as well as provide an on-ramp for facilities to comply so that we do not have to choose between safe air and a stable supply of medical products. I will continue to be an outspoken advocate for air monitoring in communities where sterilization facilities are present, and I will always fight to prevent harmful toxins from entering our air.”
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