Who Is at Risk of Ethylene Oxide Exposure?
You may be at risk if:
- You worked at a facility that used EtO for sterilization or manufacturing.
- You lived within four miles of a plant or warehouse known to emit ethylene oxide for one year or more.
- You lost a family member due to a cancer diagnosis potentially linked to EtO exposure.
EtO exposure does not always lead to immediate symptoms. In many cases, victims suffer from long-term effects that only become evident years later. This delayed onset makes it even more critical to understand your rights and legal options.
Health Conditions Linked to Ethylene Oxide Exposure
Scientific research and federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), have confirmed a strong connection between EtO exposure and several forms of cancer. The most common health conditions associated with ethylene oxide exposure include:
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Breast cancer (male and female)
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
In particular, NIOSH has reported a 63% increased risk of breast cancer among women exposed to EtO, making this a high-risk factor for workers and residents living near emitting facilities.
Filing a Claim for Ethylene Oxide Exposure
To file a successful EtO exposure claim, you’ll need to show:
- A history of employment or residence near an EtO-emitting facility.
- A medical diagnosis that is linked to the known effects of EtO.
- Supporting documentation, including work records, residential history, and medical reports.
Our legal team will review your case and help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong claim. In the event your loved one has passed away, surviving family members may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If your ethylene oxide exposure case is successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases)
In some situations, punitive damages may also be awarded if the companies responsible for EtO emissions acted with gross negligence or knowingly disregarded public health and safety.
