Earthjustice: Trump Admin Seeking to Loosen Regs on Known Carcinogen Ethylene Oxide

Last month, Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yielded to industry pressure and proposed a rule rolling back critical public health protections finalized in 2024 for ethylene oxide emissions from commercial sterilizer facilities. Many facilities were working toward compliance with the regulations, but this proposal would let them off the hook. Ethylene oxide is a colorless, typically odorless, flammable gas used to sterilize some medical equipment and spices. Ethylene oxide is also an aggressive carcinogen, especially when inhaled. Long-term exposure can damage the nervous system and increases people’s risk of developing cancer. Children are particularly sensitive to ethylene oxide’s harmful effects because the chemical remains in their bodies longer than it does in adults. Public comment period open until May 1. Speak out NOW.