Residents of Lakewood, Colorado are concerned about the potential health risks of Terumo BCT Sterilization Service, Inc. after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a study in 2022 indicating that their use of the carcinogen EtO posed a higher risk of cancer for workers and close residents. Despite this, Terumo insists that their use of EtO is safe and poses no health risks. The people of Lakewood are worried and looking for answers.
Do you call Lakewood, Colorado home or your office? If so, you might not be aware that the air around you contains an excess of EtO, a toxic substance linked to increased cancer risks. Although Terumo acknowledges the potential health effects of EtO, the company continues to use it for manufacturing. It’s the responsibility of any business handling hazardous chemicals to ensure that the air surrounding their facility doesn’t become poisoned for the people living and working near it. Contact our ethylene oxide exposure attorneys today for a free consultation to learn about your options.
Residents of Lakewood, Colorado who have been diagnosed with cancer may have a legal case against the company. It’s not clear yet whether Terumo will be held financially liable for the effects of EtO, but there is a lot of information available for those who have had cancer diagnoses after exposure to EtO.
“EtO is used on approximately 50 percent of surgical tools in the US…” Despite the carcinogenic properties of ethylene oxide, or EtO, it is used as a sterilizing agent by many agricultural and manufacturing industries, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has estimated that up to half of all surgical instruments in the U.S. rely on EtO for disinfection. These companies consider EtO an essential product in their sterilization process. According to the FDA, EtO is used on approximately 50 percent of surgical tools in the US. This is an indicator of just how critical the use of this odorless and colorless substance is in these industries.
The EPA has long allowed manufacturers to use ethylene oxide within certain levels. However, increasing reports of EtO-caused cancer have led the EPA to revise its guidelines in 2016. The new guidelines take into consideration that EtO is 30 times more toxic to adults and 60 times more toxic to children. The EPA is now putting into place a registration review for EtO, a process all pesticides must undergo every 16 years.
Did you know that Ethylene Oxide (EtO) has been linked to various cancers? Studies conducted by multiple government agencies have found that EtO exposure can increase the risk of developing blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Research has also shown that high levels of EtO can lead to other forms of cancer, including breast, bladder, brain, kidney, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and stomach cancer.
EtO is a gas that is most commonly inhaled, which means that workers at plants using EtO are at high risk for exposure. However, recent studies show that Lakewood residents living near the Terumo BCT Sterilization plant are also at risk.
If you live in Lakewood, Colorado, you may not experience any immediate symptoms from exposure to Ethylene Oxide (EtO). However, there is a long-term risk associated with it. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to EtO can cause serious health issues, such as cancers of white blood cells, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma, and lymphocytic leukemia. It has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Unfortunately, it’s not only adults who are at risk of suffering health consequences due to exposure—children are even more vulnerable.
You are not alone.
The EPA recently added Lakewood, Colorado to its list of 23 other areas in the United States that are exposed to elevated levels of EtO in the atmosphere. According to the EPA, the cancer risk from EtO emissions is at or above the level of 100 additional cancer cases per million people exposed. This means that an estimated one in 10,000 individuals who may not have developed cancer will do so because of EtO exposure. It’s crucial to be aware of the risks so you can take the necessary steps to stay healthy and safe.
Do you have questions about Terumo’s ethylene oxide (EtO) use? You’re not alone. Many people are curious about this issue, given EtO’s association with cancer. Terumo has created a web page to answer FAQs about its use of EtO. The company notes that EtO is the “only viable sterilization option for many important medical devices.” The company also claims that “that EtO can be used responsibly with sterilization processes that are both safe and effective.”
Terumo is not doing anything to reduce emissions. The company fully complies with EPA regulations regarding ethylene oxide emissions, but some people remain concerned about the potential health risks associated with exposure to this chemical. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment conducted a study and found no increase in the incidence of cancer in the area surrounding the Terumo facility, but a study conducted by the EPA noted that residents of the same area are at an increased risk of developing cancer.
If you’re ready to hire an experienced EtO cancer attorney for your ethylene oxide lawsuit—or just learn more about your legal rights and options—the next step is a free consultation with Console & Associates, P.C. Call 866-778-5500 today or contact us online to get started.
When you’re facing the financial burden of a cancer battle, shelling out thousands of dollars for professional legal representation isn’t an option. Your ability to hold the company accountable and receive the compensation you need shouldn’t depend on your ability to pay for legal services during this already difficult time.
That’s why experienced ethylene oxide exposure attorneys are currently handling claims like yours on a no-win, no-fee basis. You only ever have to pay for our services if and when we succeed in getting compensation for you (and you’ll only owe a fraction of the money we were able to get you).
