EPA proposes weaker pollution limits for chemical used to sterilize medical devices

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed reducing pollution limits for ethylene oxide, a chemical essential for sterilizing medical devices like pacemakers and syringes. Long-term exposure to the chemical causes leukemia and other cancers among workers at medical sterilization facilities and nearby residents. The proposed weaker standards would potentially increase health risks for communities surrounding these facilities while maintaining the sterilization capabilities needed for critical medical equipment.