By Michael Bartlett on October 28th, 2025 in Ethylene Oxide
Occupational exposure to EtO poses elevated cancer risks for workers in sterilization facilities, EtO production plants, and related industries. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering if you developed cancer after working with EtO. The claims process can be complicated, but taking action quickly can be the key to success.
If you suspect EtO exposure contributed to your illness, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should let your doctor know about your occupational exposure history and receive appropriate screenings and treatment for cancers associated with EtO, such as lymphohematopoietic cancers, breast cancer, and other malignancies. You should consult an oncologist or hematologist for a confirmed, documented diagnosis. Ensure pathology reports, biopsy slides, and staging records are in your medical file.
Collect complete medical records, including diagnosis date, treatment plans, and prognosis. Document any pre-existing conditions and any risk factors, such as smoking, viral infections, or family cancer history, so that claims adjusters and courts have an accurate picture of your health. You will have a stronger case if you can establish a causal link between your exposure and your illness.
Every successful claim relies on documentation of exposure. Make sure you keep a detailed record of your employment history:
Workplace exposures can be documented with industrial hygiene reports, personal monitoring logs, air sampling results, safety data sheets (SDS), and employer communication. If your facility has public emission reports or state air permitting records, save copies. EPA enforcement actions and notices against your employer can serve as powerful documentary evidence.
If you lived near an EtO-emitting facility in addition to working with the chemical, document your residency history and any correspondence with employers or regulators regarding EtO exposure in your community.
Workers typically pursue compensation through two primary paths. Compensation claims provide no-fault benefits such as medical coverage, partial wage replacement, and impairment awards. Most states limit your right to sue your employer civilly through this route, but it is usually the first option for employed workers. Timeliness and proof that the cancer is occupationally related are central to success.
Civil litigation may be appropriate if workers' compensation is insufficient or if liability extends beyond your employer. Litigation may be pursued against negligent facility operators, sterilization companies, or manufacturers. Settlements and mass tort litigation related to EtO emissions and worker cancers have occurred with varying outcomes, including substantial verdicts and settlements.
The EPA's updated risk assessments and regulatory actions tightening EtO exposure limits and emissions standards during 2023 to 2025 support worker claims by demonstrating EtO's cancer-causing potential. Those who fail to comply with regulations may face fines and enforcement action, and their records may be used as evidence in civil litigation.
Environmental Litigation Group's toxic exposure attorneys can assist you if you developed cancer after working with ethylene oxide. For over 30 years, our attorneys have handled toxic exposure cases, so we understand the medical evidence and scientific evidence required to prove EtO-related injuries. Our attorneys can evaluate your exposure history, gather the necessary documentation, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. To find out what your legal options are, contact us today for a free consultation.