To fight cancer, EPA wants sterilizer companies to reduce emissions

A syringe is prepared at a clinic in Norristown, Pa., Dec. 7, 2021. EPA research has found higher than expected cancer risks at facilities that use ethylene oxide to sterilize medical devices. (AP Photos)

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed Tuesday to limit the use of the chemical ethylene oxide after finding higher than expected cancer risk at facilities that use it to sterilize billions of medical devices each year.

The EPA says its proposal will reduce ethylene oxide emissions by roughly 80% by targeting 86 medical sterilization facilities across the United States. The companies will also have to test for the antimicrobial chemical in the air and make sure their pollution controls are working properly.