By Treven Pyles
Posted on October 28th, 2025
Repeated exposure to EtO will not only lead to acute health problems such as skin and lung irritation, but also more serious and fatal diseases such as cancers. There is a growing body of scientific evidence pointing to EtO as a human carcinogen. Individuals who developed cancer related to EtO exposure should seek legal help, as they may be eligible for compensation.
EtO has found multiple uses and applications in modern life. Primarily, this colorless and odorless gas serves as a sterilizing agent for medical and dental equipment. Many manufacturers also use EtO in producing antifreeze as well as pesticides. When research pointed out that prolonged exposure can cause multiple health problems, restricting regulations have been put in place.
EtO: Evidence of carcinogenicity
Institutions like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both classify EtO as a human carcinogen. In other words, constant exposure to this industrial substance can cause cancer in humans.
Although the IARC noted that epidemiological evidence was limited, they highlighted key findings that justified classifying the substance as a Group 1 carcinogen or 'carcinogenic to humans.'
- Alkylating agent: EtO is an alkylating agent and can directly react with the DNA, an indicator that the chemical may have carcinogenic potential.
- Mutagenic and clastogenic properties: It was found that EtO acts consistently as a mutagen and clastogen across different species.
- DNA damage in both animals and humans: In rodents, EtO exposure can cause genetic changes in reproductive cells. In workers, an increase in the frequency of exposure can also lead to increased risks of chromosome damage (dose-related, in short).
Because of these findings, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has also recommended that EtO be regarded as a?potential occupational carcinogen in the workplace.
EtO exposure among workers and nearby residents
Among those at risk of developing chronic and serious illnesses as a result of routine exposure to EtO are industrial workers. That's why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made it mandatory for EtO-handling factories and plants to comply with certain standards to limit exposure to these cancer-causing chemicals.
Aside from employees, residents living near establishments also face elevated risks of EtO exposure-related canncer, such as the following:
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer (male, female)
- Stomach cancer
If you believe your diagnosis may have been linked to EtO exposure in your workplace or in your community, then you may file for toxic exposure claims. If successful, you may be entitled to receive compensation.
To qualify, you need to meet certain criteria, which include:
- Must be diagnosed with any of the linkable cancers. Additionally, you need to present medical records as proof.
- Must provide employment records confirming your history of exposure (for industrial workers).
- Must provide residential records indicating your proximity to any EtO-using facilities (for residents).
Likewise, family members of deceased individuals can also file for claims, provided they can present evidence linking the disease to EtO exposure as well as proof of relationship.
Get help from ELG Law in filing your EtO claim
We can help you in filing your EtO exposure claims. Here at ELG Law, you can count on our experienced attorneys to guide you. We understand how overwhelming the legal process can be. That's why we take care of the complicated part. This will allow you to focus on what truly matters: your health and family. Contact us today for a free consultation.
