The move revived a long-running debate about the paradoxical effects of #EthyleneOxide on #PublicHealth. While it plays a crucial role in sterilizing lifesaving medical devices like pacemakers & syringes, long-term exposure can cause #leukemia & other types of #cancer among people who #work in or #live near medical sterilization facilities.

#Trump #EPA #law #EnvironmentalLaw #regulations #health #safety

The agency’s proposed rule would loosen limits on #EthyleneOxide #emissions from around 90 commercial sterilization facilities across the country. Roughly 2.3 million people live within two miles of these facilities in what are often #LowIncome neighborhoods or #CommunitiesOfColor, according to an analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists, an environmental group.

#Trump #EPA #law #EnvironmentalLaw #GeographicInequality #regulations #health #PublicHealth #safety

…inhaling the gas can cause coughing, dizziness, fatigue & nausea. Long-term exposure can damage the #brain & central nervous system & can increase the risk of breast #cancer, #leukemia, #lymphoma & other #cancers of the white blood cells.

The #EPA first classified #EthyleneOxide as a human #carcinogen in 2016. The agency based the determination on studies showing that the gas was 60 times more toxic to children & 30 times more toxic to adults than previously thought.

#Trump #law #PublicHealth

…“This administration is systematically looking for ways to let polluters off the hook,” Sarah Buckley, a senior atty at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said… “If this abuse of authority is left unchecked, communities will pay the price in higher #cancer risks.”

…The #EPA will solicit public comments on the proposed rule for 45 days after its publication in the Federal Register. The agency will then finalize the rule, likely within the year.

#Trump #law #EthyleneOxide #PublicHealth