By Treven Pyles
Posted on March 18th, 2025
Multiple studies have shown ethylene oxide's harmful effects on humans, after which a flood of lawsuits accused U.S. EtO emitting facilities of failing to inform workers and residents of severe health risks associated with EtO, including cancers like leukemia and breast cancer.
EtO is a colorless and flammable gas used for various purposes like a sterilizing agent to clean medical and dental equipment as well as fumigant pesticides. However, due to its ability to damage DNA, many experts, including those from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tagged EtO as a carcinogen. Studies have even pointed out that constant exposure to this toxic chemical will likely lead to cancer.
Multiple studies prove EtO a carcinogen
Extensive research has been done to show the negative impact of EtO on human health, both in the short and long term. Acute effects of EtO include nausea, vomiting, neurological disorders, bronchitis, pulmonary edema, and emphysema, the EPA reports. It can also result in irritation of the skin and eyes.
Additionally, chronic exposure to ethylene oxide might lead to life-threatening illnesses. Women exposed to this toxic gas have a 63% increased risk of developing breast cancer, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Based on the estimates the EPA provided, here are the number of workers who will likely develop cancer from EtO exposure over a 35-year career, depending on their industry:
- 1 in every 17 workers in commercial sterilization facilities for medical devices
- 1 in every 25 workers in healthcare facilities
- 1 in every 36 workers in commercial sterilization facilities for spices
Furthermore, the EPA found that individuals, who reside near facilities that emit EtO, have a 1 in 10,000 chance of developing cancer like the following:
EtO facilities fail to inform employees, residents
Because of these alarming findings, the U.S. government included EtO on the Right to Know Hazard Substance List. It is also on the Special Health Hazard List.
This means that manufacturers and companies using this chemical must inform not only their employees but also residents living near their facilities of the risks of EtO being emitted into the air.
However, not all have complied with these procedures, leading some individuals to file lawsuits. In 2023 alone, more than $700 million have been awarded related to EtO exposure.
Our legal team is here to help
If you believe you developed cancer due to exposure to ethylene oxide, we recommend reaching out to our legal team.
Before you can file a claim, you'll need to submit your employment and residential records, along with medical documents that prove your cancer diagnosis is linked to ethylene oxide exposure. We'll review your case to determine your eligibility and guide you through the next steps to ensure you receive compensation.
