Erie residents can join a virtual meeting hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to discuss health risks related to ethylene oxide and the Cosmed facility in Erie that uses the chemical also known as EtO.
The meeting will take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. To register, go to https://usepa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Xitm9DVfTv6HGZTfH2sq8Q.
EtO causes cancer in humans, according to EPA Information. The greatest risk is to people who have lived near a facility releasing EtO into the air for their entire lives, according to the EPA.
The Cosmed Group LLC/Erie facility at 2205 E. 33rd St. uses EtO to sterilize medical equipment and materials, according to the EPA.
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EPA scientists and analysts have risk assessment to understand the impact of EtO emissions from the Cosmed Group LLC/Erie facility. The assessment identified an elevated cancer risk in the Erie community, according to the EPA.
In an August update, the EPA said Cosmed’s Erie facility had installed new emissions controls and the risk level had decreased. During Thursday’s meeting, EPA staff members are expected to discuss revised information on risks related to the Cosmed commercial sterilization facility and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection staff will discuss the work which they carry out in partnership with Cosmed to reduce emissions and risks.
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In the coming months, EPA plans to propose air pollution regulations to protect public health by addressing EtO emissions from commercial sterilizers, according to a press release. EPA shares data and information on EtO emissions with the public to solicit feedback. The agency aims to improve public understanding of risk; help states, tribes, communities, and industry reduce near-term EtO risks; and hear feedback as the EPA continues to develop regulations to reduce air pollution from commercial sterilizers.
To learn more about EtO, visit www.epa.gov/hazardous-air-pollutants-ethylene-oxide.
