Your legal rights as a resident near an EtO facility: Understanding potential claims

By Michael Bartlett on November 19th, 2025 in

Ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from facilities not only endanger workers but also the residents who live near such facilities. If you lived within four miles of an EtO-emitting facility and later developed a linkable cancer, you may be eligible to file an ethylene oxide claim.

The dangers of ethylene oxide are often discussed as a workplace hazard, but emissions from facilities are also putting nearby residents at risk. EtO is an airborne toxin, and facilities emit tons of this potent carcinogen per year as an odorless gas. If you lived within four miles of a sterilization facility, you may have been exposed to EtO emissions. If you later developed an EtO-associated cancer, you may be able to establish an ethylene oxide claim by gathering the relevant documents and consulting with a toxic exposure attorney.

For residents: Documentation that proves your EtO exposure history

To establish a successful claim, you need to prepare documents proving your residence (near an EtO facility) and your diagnosis of a linkable cancer. The following documents are crucial examples for proving your exposure history:

  • Proof of residence within four miles of an EtO facility
    • Property deed for your house located within four miles of a sterilization facility
    • Rental lease agreement to a residence near a sterilization facility (within four miles)
    • Other supporting documents, including utility bills, mortgage statements, and rental payment receipts
  • Proof of diagnosis with an EtO-connected cancer

Legal options for residents exposed to EtO emissions

Companies that use and emit ethylene oxide gas in their operations have faced negligence and public nuisance claims. With the relevant documents in hand, you may be able to establish a connection between your cancer diagnosis and your EtO exposure history. If successful, you may file a claim against EtO-emitting companies to recover compensation for:

  • Medical treatment expenses
  • Loss of wages due to a medical condition
  • Personal damages
  • Funeral and burial costs (for deceased family members)

The final compensation depends entirely on the charges proven against the companies. If you'd like to learn more about your legal options and potential compensation for cancer, you may contact us for a free case evaluation.

File an ethylene oxide claim with ELG Law

As new regulations emerge for the protection of workers and communities against EtO pollution, it is the best time to file your EtO claims for cancer. ELG Law has a team of experts with decades of experience in supporting toxic exposure victims. Our attorneys can evaluate your exposure history documents and medical records to verify your eligibility. You will not have to pay evaluation fees until we successfully recover compensation, so it's best to contact ELG Law as soon as possible.