Last month, Sterigenics and its parent company, Sotera Health, agreed to pay $35 million to settle cases filed by 79 people who claim that exposure to ethylene oxide (“EtO”) from a medical Sterigenics facility in the Atlanta area led to cancer diagnoses and other health issues. This agreement was reached as the case was approaching jury selection for what would have been the first trial among many similar ETO exposure and cancer lawsuits in Georgia.

Nationwide, law firms representing ETO exposure victims are actively seeking potential plaintiffs in the wake of the recent settlements that Sterigenics lawsuit lawyers have been able to obtain on behalf of similarly situated clients. Those who were exposed to EtO as a result of living or working near the Sterigenics plant may be eligible to bring a Gwinnett County ethylene oxide lawsuit. However, these cases are complex, and the ultimate success of a claim will depend heavily on case-specific factors. Thus, those interested in pursuing an EtO lawsuit should reach out to a Sterigenics ethylene oxide lawyer for immediate assistance.

What is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide (“EtO”) is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet odor, commonly used in various industrial and medical settings. Its primary industrial application is as an intermediate in the production of chemicals, such as antifreeze. However, EtO is most frequently used for the sterilization of medical equipment and devices. Due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, it's particularly useful for sterilizing equipment that can't withstand high-temperature steam sterilization, such as some plastics and electronic devices.

What Are the Risks of Ethylene Oxide Exposure?

EtO exposure presents several health risks, particularly when individuals are exposed to high levels of the gas or even lower levels over extended periods. EtO is an alkylating agent, meaning it can interact with DNA and cause mutations. These mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which significantly increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Because of its ability to damage DNA, EtO is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The most significant cancer risks associated with EtO exposure include lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. Studies among workers in industries that use EtO, such as sterilization facilities and chemical manufacturing, have shown elevated rates of these cancers. Several epidemiological studies also support the link between EtO exposure and increased cancer risk.

EtO Exposure and Cancer

The risk of developing cancer from EtO exposure depends on the level and duration of exposure to the carcinogenic gas. Workers in industries with high levels of EtO, such as sterilization plants, are at the highest risk, especially if exposed over long periods. However, even low-level exposure over an extended period can increase cancer risk.

Apart from occupational settings, people living near industrial facilities that emit EtO may also be at risk. EtO can be released into the air, leading to environmental exposure. This has raised concerns in communities near such facilities, as prolonged inhalation of EtO, even in small amounts, can elevate cancer risks.

For example, one of the recently settled cases was brought by a man who developed leukemia as a teenager. He alleged that he was exposed to ethylene oxide emissions from Sterigenics' medical sterilization plant in Cobb County, Georgia, where he lived and attended school for 13 years. The Sterigenics plant used ethylene oxide to sterilize medical equipment and, as a result, emitted harmful levels of the gas into the surrounding atmosphere.

The man’s exposure is said to have occurred during his time at The Lovett School, which is located roughly two miles from the Sterigenics plant. He claimed that while participating in outdoor activities, including playing lacrosse at the school, he inhaled air contaminated with dangerous levels of ethylene oxide.

At the time of his leukemia diagnosis, the man was otherwise in excellent health and was unaware of the potential link between his leukemia and the ethylene oxide emissions from the Sterigenics plant.

This tragic account is just one of hundreds of similar stories, many of which have resulted in ethylene oxide cancer claims in Georgia.

What Damages May Be Available in a Cobb or Gwinnett County Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit?

In a Gwinnett County ethylene oxide lawsuit, plaintiffs may be eligible to recover several types of damages, depending on the specifics of their case. These damages aim to compensate those who developed cancer as a result of EtO exposure for the losses and harms they suffered. Some of the possible damages in a Gwinnett or Cobb County Sterigenics plant cancer claim include:

Compensatory Damages: These damages are intended to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses. This includes medical expenses for treating health issues caused by ethylene oxide exposure, lost wages if the exposure led to inability to work, and costs of future medical care. It's a direct compensation for the financial burden suffered by the plaintiff.

Pain and Suffering: This category covers the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to exposure to ethylene oxide. These damages acknowledge that not all injuries are financial and seek to offer compensation for the mental anguish, stress, and physical discomfort endured by the plaintiff.

Loss of Consortium: If the plaintiff has a spouse, they may claim loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of companionship, support, and the benefits of a family relationship due to the injuries caused by EtO exposure.

Punitive Damages: In cases where a defendant’s conduct is found to be especially harmful or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. Unlike other types of personal injury damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for what they’ve been through but rather to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.

Wrongful Death Damages: If the exposure to ethylene oxide resulted in death, the deceased’s family members might be able to claim wrongful death damages. This can include funeral expenses, loss of the deceased’s expected earnings, and loss of companionship.

The exact damages available can vary based on the individual case details and the extent of harm caused by the ethylene oxide exposure. Those interested in learning more about bringing an ethylene oxide ETO cancer lawsuit should speak with an experienced Sterigenics ethylene oxide lawyer as soon as possible.

Other Areas of Potential EtO Exposure

EtO exposure can occur in various settings othe than from the Sterigenics plant in Georgia. Here are some other common areas and situations where EtO exposure might be a concern:

Medical Sterilization Facilities: Besides Sterigenics, other companies also operate medical sterilization facilities using EtO. These facilities are spread across the United States and other countries, sterilizing a wide range of medical equipment and supplies.

Chemical Manufacturing Plants: EtO is used as a raw material in the production of antifreeze, detergents, solvents, and other chemicals. Workers in these manufacturing plants may be exposed to EtO during production processes.

Agricultural Fumigation: EtO is sometimes used for fumigating agricultural commodities, spices, and food items to control microbial contamination. People working in or living near these fumigation sites might be exposed.

Hospital and Healthcare Settings: Some hospitals and healthcare facilities have on-site EtO sterilization equipment. Healthcare workers in these settings, particularly those involved in sterilization processes, are at risk of exposure.

Laboratories: EtO is used in some laboratory settings, especially in biological and chemical research. Laboratory personnel may be exposed during handling and use of EtO for sterilization or chemical reactions.

Occupational Settings: Workers in industries that produce, store, or use EtO are at risk of occupational exposure. This includes warehouse workers, transport workers, and maintenance staff at facilities where EtO is used or stored.

Keep in mind, the recent Sterigenics EtO settlement does not necessarily mean that plaintiffs’ claims based on exposure through other means will end in the same result. Every case is unique, and outcomes are case-specific.