Ethylene oxide (EtO) is an odorless, colorless, and deadly carcinogenic gas emitted into the air by polluters during manufacturing and sterilization processes, even though there are often non-carcinogenic alternatives. EtO mutates DNA and exposure has been linked to a variety of cancers, including breast cancer and leukemia. EtO pollution is especially harmful to children.

Most industrial EtO is energy intensive to make, burning fossil fuel in the process.  When it is released to the atmosphere, industrial EtO breaks down into several components such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde.  Our climate doesn't need industrial EtO any more than our bodies do.

In the past several years, local communities near industries that produce or use EtO have noticed greater than average instances of cancer and the Federal EPA has adjusted its assessments recognizing that EtO is 30 times more carcinogenic than previously thought.

These local communities, more than 100 across the country per the EPA assessments, often don't have the resources or political clout on their own to ensure protection from this pollution.  They need as much assistance as they can get to secure corporate and regulatory transparency, independent testing and monitoring of amounts being released and present in their air, establishment of safe thresholds, and enforcement of violations.

See the Sources for more information and please tell our  members of Congress to stop EtO pollution from harming our communities.