By Matthew T. Marin, Esq., member of the American Association for Justice and Mass Torts Made Perfect (MTMP) speaker
Reach Out For More Information
B. Braun Allentown, PA — Free Case Review
The Question Is Your Address, Not Your Town.
Two streets in one neighborhood can fall on opposite sides of the line. We check your actual address against EPA’s own model — and tell you either way.
The figures on this page come from EPA’s air-toxics modeling and the facility’s own reported releases, not from us. No claim is decided by a map — it turns on the address, the years, the diagnosis and the law of the state.
Did you live or work near an ethylene oxide plant?
Answered 24/7 · Free and confidential · No fee unless there is a recovery. Court costs and litigation expenses are advanced by counsel and repaid from the recovery. You are not responsible for court costs or litigation expenses if there is no recovery.
Partners
Matthew T. Marin & Stefanie A. Murphy
Super Lawyers® honorees · American Association for Justice members
Every ethylene oxide inquiry gets a personal review — and an honest answer either way, free and without obligation.
This page is attorney advertising and legal information, not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Marin & Murphy Law Firm is licensed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and South Carolina; a matter in another state would be handled with, or referred to, a lawyer licensed there. Prior results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every claim is evaluated case by case, on its own facts.
What EPA’s own records show about the Allentown plant
In EPA’s 2019 AirToxScreen assessment, the census tract containing 901 Marcon Boulevard carries a modelled lifetime cancer risk from ethylene oxide of about 47 in one million — the largest single contributor among the air toxics EPA models for that tract, and about 63% of its entire modelled air-toxics cancer risk. Two miles out in any direction the figure falls to roughly a quarter of that.
| Distance from the plant | Modelled lifetime cancer risk from ethylene oxide, per million |
|---|---|
| At the plant | 46.7 |
| About two miles east | 11.4 |
| About two miles west | 10.7 |
| About two miles south | 8.9 |
| About four miles | 2.5 to 5.3 |
| About eight miles | 0.7 to 2.3 |
That shape — high at the facility, falling steeply within two miles — is what a single industrial source looks like in EPA’s model, and the companion source-type layer says the same thing: it attributes about 47 per million to stationary point sources, effectively the whole of the ethylene oxide figure. At a tract with no such source nearby, both numbers sit near zero. It does not, on its own, name which facility, and we will not claim it does.
Alongside the modelling sits the plant’s own reporting. B. Braun has reported ethylene oxide released to air in Allentown in every year from 1988 through 2024 — 37 unbroken reporting years and 81,985 pounds. The largest single year on the record is 8,960 pounds in 2009, with 5,900 to 7,600 pounds a year through 2014 to 2017, falling to about 445 pounds a year since 2021.
The two figures come from different EPA programs and neither is derived from the other: the pounds are what the facility itself reported to the Toxics Release Inventory, while AirToxScreen is modelled from EPA’s National Emissions Inventory. Neither dataset measures what any one person breathed at any one address, and neither decides a claim. They describe what was reported and what EPA models — which is where an honest inquiry starts, not where it ends. Sources: EPA Toxics Release Inventory (facility ID 18018BRRNM824TW, B. Braun US Device Manufacturing LLC, 901 Marcon Blvd, Allentown PA 18109); EPA AirToxScreen 2019, risk by air toxic and by source type, queried at the facility’s coordinates as published in EPA’s TRI Basic Data File.
The other facilities on the federal record
We pulled EPA’s release history and modelled tract cancer risk for every facility below, one at a time, from EPA’s own databases. The first column is the plant’s own census tract. The second is the highest tract whose centre lies within four miles — because at several of these sites the model does not peak at the plant. It peaks in a neighbourhood nearby, and the difference is not small. They are not close to each other, and that is the point: the same litigation covers plants whose records differ by three orders of magnitude.
| Facility | The plant’s own census tract | Highest tract within four miles | Where that tract is | Ethylene oxide’s share of it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Becton Dickinson, Covington GA | 347.9 | 347.9 | the plant’s own tract | 90.9% |
| Sterigenics, Vernon CA | 21.1 | 172.8 | 0.3 mi away | 84.9% |
| Sterilization Services of Virginia, Henrico VA | 57.9 | 161.9 | 1.6 mi away | 84.0% |
| B. Braun, Allentown PA | 46.7 | 46.7 | the plant’s own tract | 62.7% |
| Boston Scientific, Coventry RI | 46.2 | 46.2 | the plant’s own tract | 71.8% |
| Steris-Isomedix, Spartanburg SC | 43.1 | 43.1 | the plant’s own tract | 57.2% |
| Covidien, North Haven CT | 4.8 | 12.5 | 1.0 mi away | 36.8% |
| Professional Contract Sterilization, Taunton MA | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.2 mi away | 9.8% |
| Steris-Isomedix, Northborough MA | 0.4 | 1.2 | 2.1 mi away | 5.3% |
Both columns are EPA AirToxScreen 2019. The first is a point query at the facility address; the second is the highest value among tracts whose published centroid lies within four miles, each confirmed by a second query against EPA’s service by feature id. A modelled tract figure is not a measurement of what any person breathed, and it does not establish that any facility caused any illness.
Covidien’s North Haven plant is the one site here whose two records diverge most: 77,492 pounds reported released to air across 38 filing years since 1987, against a modelled tract figure in the single digits. The release record and the modelled risk are different measures and they do not have to agree.
If the plant nearest you is not on this list, it may still be one we are looking at — the list of facilities being accepted changes, and we track more than we have written pages for.
Was your address inside the area?
How recent does the diagnosis have to be?
More recent than most people expect, and this is the single most common reason a file that looks strong on the map goes nowhere. The cases currently being accepted in this litigation weigh how recently the diagnosis was made, not only what the diagnosis was. If yours is an older one, say so at the start rather than at the end — it changes which lane a claim belongs in, and you are better served knowing that on the first call.
Most people who lived near a sterilizing plant never knew it was there. There is nothing to see from the road, ethylene oxide has no smell at the concentrations that matter, and the emissions numbers sit in a federal database almost nobody reads. So the honest starting point is not do I have a case. It is: was my home inside the area, and is my diagnosis one of the ones being accepted?
Three things decide that.
- Where you lived. Distance is measured street to street from 901 Marcon Boulevard in Allentown, not by town or ZIP code. Two streets can sit on opposite sides of the line, so it is worth asking even if you are unsure.
- How long. The cases currently being accepted in this litigation generally require about a year of living in the area, after the plant began operating. Every claim is evaluated case by case, on its own facts and on the evidence available to pursue a claim at that particular site. The emissions figures on this page are the public record; they are not a list of which years count, and at some sites the two do not line up. Tell us the years you lived there and we will tell you where they fall.
- Your diagnosis. Leukemia and lymphoma are the diagnoses most consistently accepted. Others are assessed individually, and some are not being accepted at all — we will tell you which category yours falls into rather than leave you guessing.
If your address is outside the area, we will say so plainly. We keep the details on file either way, because the facilities and diagnoses being accepted change over time and a claim can be revisited — but you will not be chased.
You do not need medical records, an address history, or anything else to ask. One call or one form is enough to find out which side of the line you were on, and roughly how long a claim of this kind takes. Free case review, and there is no fee unless there is a recovery.
Marin & Murphy is not licensed in Pennsylvania; a matter there would be handled with, or referred to, a lawyer licensed in that state.
If you or a loved one lived or worked near the B. Braun Allentown EtO facility located at 901 Macron Ave in Allentown, PA and are worried about ethylene oxide exposure in Allentown, PA, you’re not alone. Many people have questions about possible links to cancer and what steps to take next. This easy-to-understand guide explains B. Braun Allentown EtO lawsuit details, including EPA data on emissions, qualifying cancers, and your options for claims. As a nationwide law firm handling environmental and toxic-exposure claims, we provide this educational information to help you learn about EtO sterilization cancer claims in PA.
Cancers Linked to Ethylene Oxide Exposure in B. Braun Allentown PA EtO Lawsuit Cases
Ethylene oxide (EtO) has been tied to several types of cancer based on EPA research. If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these after exposure near the B. Braun plant, it might be connected. Here’s the list:
- Leukemia (all types)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Liver Cancer (see our guide on EtO liver cancer lawsuits)
- Lung Cancer (see our guide on EtO lung cancer lawsuits)
- Breast Cancer
EtO is a colorless gas used to sterilize medical devices, but the EPA classifies it as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Long-term exposure can increase risks for cancers like leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and breast cancer, according to the EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). This page focuses on EtO cancer risks Pennsylvania-specific, using public data to help you understand. For personalized B. Braun Allentown EtO lawsuit advice, reach out to a local PA lawyer—they can explain if your situation qualifies.
What Is Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and Its Cancer Risks for B. Braun Allentown PA Residents?
Ethylene oxide, or EtO, is a chemical gas commonly used to clean and sterilize medical equipment at facilities like B. Braun Medical Inc. in Allentown. The plant at 901 Marcon Blvd has been operating since around 1984, releasing EtO into the air during the process.
According to EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data, this site is one of 29 nationwide flagged for high EtO emissions since 2021, due to large volumes and close neighborhoods. Emissions peaked at about 4,600 pounds in 2018, but the company made reductions afterward. Still, past exposures could pose ongoing risks for ethylene oxide exposure in Allentown, PA.
The EPA highlights environmental justice concerns for the 70,000 to 100,000 people living within 5 miles, including children and families in nearby areas. EtO is genotoxic, meaning it can damage your DNA and lead to cancer after 2 to 5 years (or more) of exposure. If this sounds like your experience, gathering your address history and medical records can help when talking to a PA attorney about a B. Braun Allentown EtO lawsuit.
B. Braun Med EtO Exposure Map in Allentown, PA
EPA Data Summary on EtO Emissions at the B. Braun Allentown PA Facility
The B. Braun facility at 901 Marcon Blvd (ZIP 18109) has used EtO for sterilization since about 1984. The EPA regulates it because EtO is a proven human carcinogen when inhaled over time. Here’s a breakdown of key EPA findings to help you see the big picture:
- Historical Emissions and Reporting: TRI tracking began in 2021 for high-risk sites like this one, due to usage levels and community closeness. Concerns remain for exposures after 1984; air releases hit ~4,600 pounds in 2018. Nationally, EtO air emissions dropped 43% from 2013 to 2022, per EPA rules (nofollow).
- Current Regulations: The 2024 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) require 90% reductions by 2026. Status as of September 2026: on 17 March 2026 EPA proposed to repeal the 2024 commercial-sterilizer rule, citing legal, scientific and medical-supply concerns. That proposal has not been finalised, so the 2024 standards remain in effect while the reconsideration is pending. No major violations noted, but environmental justice issues affect over 70,000 residents. Voluntary controls were added in 2020.
- Health Risk Assessments: The 2016 IRIS report links long-term EtO breathing to multiple cancers; risks were up to 200 times the average before controls, fading with distance. By 2025, risks dropped 92%, with no areas exceeding 100-in-1 million lifetime cancer risk, per EPA assessment (nofollow).
This data can support a B. Braun Allentown EtO lawsuit—share it with a PA attorney to evaluate your case.
Key Health Risks Linked to EtO in B. Braun Allentown PA EtO Lawsuit Claims (Based on EPA and NIOSH Studies)
Health experts from the EPA and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have studied EtO’s effects. Here’s a numbered list of main cancer risks, with simple explanations of latency (the delay between exposure and diagnosis):
- Leukemias (all types): Blood cancers.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Immune system cancer.
- Multiple Myeloma: Plasma cell cancer.
- Liver Cancer: Affects the liver (usually for non/light drinkers and younger people).
- Lung Cancer: Affects the lungs (for non-smokers only).
- Breast Cancer: Affects breast tissue.
If your diagnosis matches and timing fits your ethylene oxide exposure in Allentown, PA, it could qualify for a claim.
Other ethylene oxide plants on the federal record
Ethylene oxide is reported to EPA at plants across the country, and the federal record is not the same at any two of them. A claim turns on the plant a person actually lived near, so if your address was closer to one of these, start there instead:
A full list of the ethylene oxide plants we cover, with the federal release record for each, is on our ethylene oxide lawsuit hub.
You can read EPA’s modelled risk for every census tract around these plants, side by side, in our EtO census-tract risk index.
Naming an operator is not an allegation that it caused any individual’s illness. Whether a person has a claim depends on their address, their years there, their diagnosis and the law of their state.
2025 B. Braun EtO Settlement Updates in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been following news about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from the B. Braun facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania, you might have heard about recent settlements. In February 2025, B. Braun Medical Inc. agreed to a confidential settlement that resolved most of the ongoing lawsuits related to EtO emissions from their plant at 901 Marcon Blvd. This means the company privately settled claims from people who alleged that the emissions contributed to their cancers, without admitting fault. It’s part of a bigger trend in EtO cases—for example, another company, Steris, reached a $48 million settlement in March 2025 for similar claims in Illinois.
What does this mean for you? These settlements show that companies are being held accountable, but each case is unique. EPA reports from 2025 confirm that B. Braun reduced emissions by about 90% between 2018 and 2021 through new pollution controls. If you’re considering a new claim for EtO-related cancer in Pennsylvania (like leukemia or breast cancer), start by checking your eligibility with a Pennsylvania-licensed attorney. In similar cases, outcomes vary depending on factors like your health history and exposure details—but remember, no two cases are the same.
Potential Claimants: Do You Qualify for a B. Braun Allentown PA EtO Lawsuit?
Lawsuits like these can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The good news is that they’re based on clear criteria from past successful cases, such as the $363 million award against Sterigenics in 2022 and B. Braun’s own 2025 settlements. The key is to act before time runs out—Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations (SOL), which is usually 2 years from when you discover the link between your illness and the exposure.
Here are the main types of people who might qualify. Think about your own situation: Did you live or work near the facility? When? For how long? Do you have a cancer diagnosis that matches?
- Residents — recent diagnosis – Lived near the facility for a sustained period after it began operating, and diagnosed in roughly the past five years with leukemia (any type), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, or lung cancer in someone who did not smoke.
- Residents — older diagnosis – Lived nearby, particularly during the years before emission controls were installed, and diagnosed at any time with leukemia, lymphoma, or a less common subtype of breast cancer. There is no cutoff based on how long ago the diagnosis was made.
- Family members – Relatives of someone who has died and who met either description above (wrongful death claims under Pennsylvania law).
- Workers – Working at the plant is not by itself a basis for these claims, which are residential. Someone who worked there may still qualify if they also lived nearby for a sustained period, so it is worth checking rather than assuming otherwise.
Addresses are measured street-to-street, not by ZIP code, so it is worth asking even if you are unsure. If your diagnosis or address falls outside these descriptions, we still want the details — the facilities and diagnoses being accepted change over time, and we keep a complete file so a claim can be revisited. Free case review, and there is no fee unless there is a recovery.
Court costs and litigation expenses are advanced by counsel and repaid from the recovery. You are not responsible for court costs or litigation expenses if there is no recovery, unless a court directs otherwise. The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the gross recovery, calculated before expenses are deducted.
Not sure if you fit? Gather basic info like your address history, work records, and medical diagnosis, then talk to a PA attorney—they can review it for free in most cases.
Top Qualifying Cancers for B. Braun Allentown EtO Lawsuits
EtO is a gas used to sterilize medical equipment, but studies from the EPA and other health agencies show it can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Not every cancer qualifies for a claim—it’s usually those linked to EtO by science. Here’s a list of the most common ones in these lawsuits, explained simply:
- Leukemia (all types): Cancers of the blood and bone marrow; high risk if you were exposed to EtO in Allentown, PA.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A cancer that affects the lymphatic system (part of your immune system); very common in EtO sterilization claims in Pennsylvania.
- Multiple Myeloma: A blood cancer that starts in plasma cells; EPA data strongly links it to EtO exposure.
- Liver Cancer: Cancer in the liver; qualifies mainly for people who don’t drink much alcohol and were younger at diagnosis. Check our educational guide on EtO liver cancer claims for more.
- Lung Cancer: Cancer in the lungs; only for non-smokers in these cases, as smoking can complicate the link. See our info on EtO lung cancer lawsuits.
- Breast Cancer: Cancer in breast tissue; has a strong connection in many B. Braun Allentown EtO lawsuit filings.
If your diagnosis matches one of these, note the date—it needs to fit the latency period (explained next).
Latency Periods Reported in Published Studies for B. Braun Allentown PA EtO Lawsuit Eligibility (For Educational Purposes Only)
“Latency” is a key term in these claims—it means the minimum time that must pass between your first EtO exposure and your cancer diagnosis for it to potentially qualify. Scientists use this to connect the dots between exposure and illness. This table is based on EPA and health studies; it’s not medical advice, just a guide to help you think about your timeline.
| Cancer Type | Latency Reported in Published Studies | Additional Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Leukemias (All) | 5 years | None |
| Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | 2 years | None |
| Multiple Myeloma | 2 years | None |
| Liver Cancer | 2 years | Non/light drinker, younger age |
| Lung Cancer | 2 years | Non-smoker |
| Breast Cancer | 5 years | None |
Why Consider Firms Like Marin & Murphy for Similar Environmental Claims?
- Experience: Our founding partner, Matthew Marin, has over 17 years in mass tort litigation (big group lawsuits). We use this knowledge to educate on ethylene oxide lawsuits, with key trials set for October 2025.
- Ethical Approach: We only provide truthful, helpful information—no hype or guarantees. Matthew Marin is a member of the American Association for Justice and a Mass Torts Made Perfect (MTMP) speaker. For Pennsylvania cases, we always recommend seeking local counsel.
Our track record with DNA-damaging chemicals (genotoxic claims) makes us a trusted resource for understanding EtO cancer risks specific to Pennsylvania. Remember, past results don’t predict yours, and every situation is different.
Our success comes from putting clients first: We offer personalized strategies in the states where we’re licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on EtO Exposure in Allentown, PA
Wondering about cancers linked to EtO in Allentown? We’ve answered common questions below in simple terms. Click to expand each one—these are based on public EPA data and are for education only. For your specific case, talk to a PA-licensed attorney.
What is a B. Braun ethylene oxide claim?
How to find a B. Braun cancer lawyer?
What is B. Braun EtO cancer claim eligibility?
What are B. Braun ethylene oxide exposure risks?
What is the B. Braun Allentown PA ethylene oxide process?
What is B. Braun sterilization plant compensation?
What cancers qualify for a B. Braun leukemia or multiple myeloma claim?
Can I file an Allentown PA ethylene oxide lawsuit?
What is an Allentown PA sterilizer lawsuit?
What is ethylene oxide exposure attorney experience?
Learn More About Ethylene Oxide Risks
For a national overview of who may qualify, which cancers are linked, and how these claims proceed, see our ethylene oxide lawsuit resource.
If exposure to EtO from the B. Braun facility in Allentown has you worried about cancer or other health problems, you’re not alone. Check free resources from the EPA (epa.gov) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (dep.pa.gov) for facts on emissions and risks. We share this page to help you prepare for a conversation with a PA attorney about B. Braun Allentown EtO lawsuit options—knowledge is power.
Filing Deadlines and Local Counsel
Dealing with EtO exposure and possible cancer is stressful enough—you may wish to review your options. Contact a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania for a no-obligation consultation. They can explain if you have a case and what steps to take next. Time limits (like Pennsylvania’s 2-year statute) apply, so it is worth reviewing your options for EtO sterilization cancer claims in PA.
Disclaimer: This is educational information based on public data; it’s not legal advice. For help in Pennsylvania, contact a licensed PA attorney. Every case is different—past results don’t guarantee yours.
This page is legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Prior results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Each legal matter is unique, and the success of any case depends on its specific factual and legal circumstances, which may differ significantly from those in the cases referenced.