The history of Midwest Sterilization Corporation, ethylene oxide sterilization, and community health concerns
In Texas, Midwest Sterilization Corporation's Laredo facility is one of the biggest sources of ethylene oxide emissions. The industrial complex features 24 pre-conditioning rooms, 10 sterilization chambers, and 40 aeration rooms with operations capable of using up to 7,007 pounds of ethylene oxide per day and 2.56 million pounds annually under current Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permits.
Despite the installation of advanced emission control systems, including wet acid scrubbers with claimed efficiencies exceeding 99.63%, the EPA has identified this facility as creating substantial cancer risks for nearby residents. EPA risk assessments reveal that some areas immediately surrounding the facility face lifetime cancer risks of 100 in a million or greater—meaning approximately 1 additional cancer case per 10,000 people exposed continuously over 70 years.
Laredo's location is particularly problematic for environmental justice. Numerous schools and childcare centers are located within the risk zone, where there is a high concentration of low-income residents. It has been estimated that approximately 130,000 Laredo residents, including over 37,000 children, are at elevated cancer risk because of the facility's ethylene oxide emissions.
MSC's Laredo facility is among 23 commercial sterilizers with the highest ethylene oxide emissions risks, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In a report published between 2014 and 2018, the facility was ranked among the top emitters of ethylene oxide in the United States, resulting in increased regulatory scrutiny.
Secure justice for ethylene oxide exposure with ELG Law
ELG Law's attorneys are ready to assess your potential claim if you have worked at Midwest Sterilization Corporation or lived near their Laredo facility for a minimum of one year. We offer individualized legal guidance based on your circumstances and understand the complexities of toxic exposure litigation. The families of loved ones who have passed away due to illnesses caused by ethylene oxide may also have legal options.
Contact ELG Law for a case evaluation to find out if you are eligible for filing an EtO claim. We will review your employment history, residential records, and relevant medical records in order to determine your eligibility. We handle these cases with the skill and determination necessary to recover full compensation for the damages caused.
