Neighborhood EtO exposure & cancer clusters: Filing legal claims as residents

There are many possible reasons behind the rise of cancer cases in a specific neighborhood, and among the most common is industrial pollution from facilities that emit carcinogens. There are currently hundreds of facilities in the U.S. that emit ethylene oxide (EtO), a colorless gas that is an airborne carcinogen. EtO is widely used for sterilization, from medical equipment to dried fruits and vegetables, but it has also posed a danger to facility workers and many residents of neighborhoods near EtO-emitting facilities.

Communities near ethylene oxide facilities face high cancer risks

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found in a risk assessment that ethylene oxide exposure can elevate the risk of developing cancer among residents who are constantly exposed to EtO in their lifetime (24 hours a day for 70 years). For residents, constant exposure can increase the risk to above 100 in 1 million chance of developing cancer.

The EPA also identified communities with the highest risks, many of which were in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Some neighborhoods were also in California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Texas. A common factor among these communities is their proximity to an EtO-emitting facility, particularly an ethylene oxide sterilization facility. If you suspect that there is an unusually high number of cancer cases in your neighborhood, you might be looking at the beginning of a cancer cluster from ethylene oxide pollution.

Filing ethylene oxide claims as residents affected by cancer clusters

If you believe that your cancer may be part of a cancer cluster near an EtO facility, ELG Law can help you explore your legal options. To build your claim, we will start by evaluating the following documents to help you establish a connection between your cancer diagnosis and your EtO exposure as a resident near the facility.

1. Proof of residence: You need a document proving that you lived within four (4) miles of a facility that emitted ethylene oxide. This can be a property deed, rental lease agreement, mortgage statement, utility bills, or your rental payment receipts.
2. Medical records: It is best to include all health records (biopsy reports, diagnostic tests) related to your cancer diagnosis, as well as your cancer treatment records.

ELG Law can help you file cancer claims related to ethylene oxide exposure

Our team of experts at ELG Law can evaluate your ethylene oxide claim by verifying your documents and reviewing publicly available data on emissions and public health studies. Not only do we have experienced toxic exposure attorneys, but we also have an industrial hygienist/environmental lawyer to look into the scientific evidence behind EtO claims. If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with EtO-related cancer, do not hesitate to contact ELG Law to get your free evaluation.