If you are one of the victims of ethylene oxide exposure, you may reach out to our experienced legal team. We can help you seek your fair legal compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages resulting from EtO exposure. Let us assess your case so we can start your claims process as soon as possible.
The ATSDR released a brief highlighting studies that reflect the fact that prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide elevated the chances of developing multiple myeloma. Individuals diagnosed with multiple myeloma may likely experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue, weakness, and tiredness
- Broken bones or fractures
- Weight loss
- Frequent or stubborn infections
- Nausea
- Frequent thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite
- Bruising or bleeding
How EtO exposure causes multiple myeloma
Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide can lead to uncontrolled, rapid growth of mutated plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to multiple myeloma. Ethylene oxide acts as a direct alkylating agent that attaches to DNA in plasma cells (a type of white blood cell), causing damage that, if unrepaired or improperly repaired, leads to mutations.
DNA modifications trigger mutations in cell growth-regulating genes such as proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
EtO is a potent mutagen, and exposure to high concentrations of this gas can lead to chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. Prolonged exposure (years or even decades) to high concentrations of the toxic gas can disturb the immune system, activating T lymphocytes and macrophages, which may facilitate the development of multiple myeloma.