Long-term exposure to high concentrations of EtO may cause multiple myeloma
Employees of establishments that use EtO are at risk of occupational exposure. In addition, people with homes near EtO-emitting facilities may also be exposed to high concentrations of ethylene oxide. It’s important to know that the EPA, CDC, and IARC have labeled EtO a human carcinogen.
Furthermore, 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
- Confusion
- Bruising or bleeding
You may qualify to file an EtO-related claim if (1) you live or work in an EtO-emitting facility and received a cancer diagnosis like multiple myeloma, or (2) you are a relative of a person who passed away from multiple myeloma connected to EtO exposure.
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.