EPA Hosts Community Meeting in Puerto Rico to Discuss a Contract Sterilization Plant and Health Risks from Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was hosting a community meeting for residents of Salinas, Puerto Rico to share information about health risks from the chemical ethylene oxide (EtO), which is being emitted from a local contract sterilization facility.

According to the agency:
EPA analysis indicates that the air near the Salinas facility does not exceed short-term health benchmarks. However, the concern is that a lifetime of exposure to EtO emissions could lead to long-term health impacts if risk levels are not reduced. EPA is working with facilities like this one to take appropriate steps to reduce emissions. Later this year, EPA expects to propose an air pollution regulation to protect public health by requiring more controls on EtO emissions from commercial sterilizers.

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is an organic compound that is produced in large volumes. It is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of several industrial chemicals, the most notable of which is ethylene glycol. However, it is also used as a fumigant in various agricultural products, and to sterilize moisture and heat sensitive medical equipment and supplies.

“EtO is a human carcinogen and the EPA states that EtO emissions from commercial sterilizers can potentially contribute to elevated long-term cancer risks for nearby communities,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, Zimmetry offers environmental and industrial hygiene testing and monitoring services for ethylene oxide and many other industrial chemicals. These services help to protect workers and nearby residents while also assisting with regulatory compliance requirements.”

Several years ago, Zimmetry sponsored an educational video about ethylene oxide and occupational exposure risks that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/_-B8MFnk-ZQ

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

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