Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit: EtO Exposure Cancer Claims Nationwide

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Ethylene Oxide Lawsuits — 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?

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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.

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.

If you’ve been exposed to ethylene oxide (EtO) and are suffering from related health issues, you may be eligible to file an ethylene oxide lawsuit. As lawyers handling ethylene oxide claims in environmental mass torts, Marin & Murphy is dedicated to helping victims pursue justice against companies responsible for negligent EtO emissions.

The facilities on the federal record

For each plant below we pulled EPA’s release history and modelled tract cancer risk one facility at a time, from EPA’s own databases. The figure after each name is what EPA’s 2019 model gives for that plant’s own census tract, or the plant’s reported release total where the modelling shows no ethylene oxide signal. The range across them is three orders of magnitude, and we have not smoothed that over.

• Becton Dickinson, Covington GA — 348 per million
• Sterilization Services of Virginia, Henrico VA — 58 per million
• Boston Scientific, Coventry RI — 46 per million
• B. Braun, Allentown PA — 47 per million
• Steris-Isomedix, Spartanburg SC — 43 per million
• Becton Dickinson, Madison GA — 24 per million
• Sterigenics, Vernon CA — 21 per million
• Covidien, North Haven CT — 77,492 lb reported since 1987
• Professional Contract Sterilization, Taunton MA — 2 per million
• Steris-Isomedix, Northborough MA — 0.4 per million
• Baxter, Mountain Home AR — 652,618 lb on the federal record, into a town of 21,429
• Steris-Isomedix, El Paso TX — 652,618 lb on the federal record, into a town of 21,429
• Sterigenics plume, Maywood CA — 652,618 lb on the federal record, into a town of 21,429
• Shell, BASF and Rubicon, Geismar LA — three plants on one two-mile stretch of the Mississippi
• Union Carbide Taft, Hahnville LA — 796,640 lb across 38 unbroken reporting years
• Midwest Sterilization, Jackson MO — 135,707 lb, every year from 2002 through 2024
• Midwest Sterilization, Laredo TX — 210,228 lb, every year from 2005 through 2024
• Steris, Coon Rapids MN — 369,633 lb — and EPA’s modelled peak is a mile away, in Blaine
• Sterilization Services, Memphis TN — 625,783 lb, and a tract EPA models at 201.8 per million
• Steris Isomedix, South Plainfield NJ — 14,702 lb, against a tract EPA models at 151.5 per million

Every figure above comes from the same two federal datasets, and we have published the whole of one of them — the modelled ethylene oxide cancer risk for all 73,445 US census tracts, with FIPS codes attached, so anyone can check our arithmetic against EPA’s own.

If the plant nearest you is not listed, it may still be one we are looking at — the facilities being accepted change, and we track more than we have written pages for.

Cancers Linked to Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Leukemia (all types), non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer

Our firm handles environmental and toxic-exposure litigation, and brings that experience to EtO exposure lawsuits. This page serves as your national resource for understanding EtO risks, qualifying for claims, and taking action with an experienced ethylene oxide lawyer. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your ethylene oxide lawsuit options.  We are available 24/7 at 888-348-2735 to take your call and discuss your potential EtO cancer claim.

Remember, this information is educational and not legal advice. Results vary, and we make no guarantees. As ethylene oxide lawyers with a focus on corporate accountability, we’re here to guide you through the process.

What Is Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and Why Hire an Ethylene Oxide Lawyer to File an EtO Lawsuit?

Ethylene oxide, often abbreviated as EtO, is a colorless, flammable gas widely used in the sterilization of medical devices and equipment. While it’s essential for certain industries, EtO is classified as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged exposure can lead to severe health problems, prompting thousands of EtO lawsuits nationwide. Hiring an experienced ethylene oxide lawyer is crucial to navigate these complex claims and maximize your compensation.

Facilities like those operated by Sterigenics, Steris, and B. Braun have been at the center of EtO exposure lawsuits due to emissions that affect nearby communities and workers. Recent years have seen a rise in claims, with reported settlements including Steris’s $48.15 million agreement in Illinois for personal injury claims related to EtO emissions. If you’ve been harmed, filing an EtO lawsuit with a skilled ethylene oxide lawyer can hold these companies accountable for negligence, seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

How Can People Be Exposed to Ethylene Oxide?

Exposure to EtO occurs primarily through inhalation, but it can also happen via skin contact or ingestion in contaminated environments. Common sources include:

• Occupational Exposure Workers at sterilization facilities, hospitals, or manufacturing plants handling EtO (e.g., claimants who worked at a site for a sustained period).
• Community Exposure Residents living near emitting facilities, where airborne emissions seep into homes, schools, and water supplies—particularly in high-risk areas like Massachusetts near sites like Professional Contract Sterilization, Inc. and Rhode Island near the Boston Scientific Facility in Coventry
• Secondary Exposure Family members of exposed individuals, including through wrongful death claims for deceased victims.

EPA data highlights over 100 facilities nationwide emitting EtO, with high-risk areas in states like Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. If you’ve lived or worked near such sites, you may have grounds for an ethylene oxide emissions lawsuit—consult an ethylene oxide lawyer familiar with local regulations, like our Wellesley, MA team.

Is Ethylene Oxide Regulated in the United States?

Yes, EtO is regulated under the Clean Air Act by the EPA, which sets emission standards for commercial sterilizers. In 2024, the EPA finalized rules to reduce EtO emissions by 90% from these facilities, effective by 2026, following a 2021 decision requiring 29 sites to report under the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). However, subsequent regulatory action has been delayed: On July 21, documents revealed administration interference stalling regulations, and on July 15, the Biden administration considered exemptions for emissions rules. On July 17, President Trump issued a proclamation granting facilities like PCS in Massachusetts and Sterigenics extensions of up to two years. Legacy exposures remain unregulated in many claims, leading to ongoing EtO sterilization lawsuits. Our ethylene oxide lawyers track these changes to strengthen your case.

Are Facilities Liable for the Health Issues Caused by Their Ethylene Oxide Emissions?

They can be, and it turns on the evidence. Facilities can be held liable under negligence, toxic tort, or strict liability laws if they fail to control emissions, warn communities, or adhere to safety standards. Precedents like the Sterigenics $408 million settlement in Illinois (2023, with ongoing impacts in 2025) and Steris’s $48.15 million in Illinois (March 2025) demonstrate that companies knowing of EtO’s risks but continuing operations can face massive payouts. As ethylene oxide lawyers, we investigate emissions data and corporate knowledge to build strong cases, including in Massachusetts and Rhode Island where DEP permits add local scrutiny.

Key Health Risks Linked to EtO Exposure

EtO is genotoxic, meaning it damages DNA and increases cancer risk over time. Based on EPA and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) studies, exposure is linked to several cancers, which typically develop years after first exposure.

Does Ethylene Oxide Exposure Cause Long-Term Health Risks?

Yes, long-term risks include cancers and other conditions like respiratory issues, neurological damage, and reproductive problems. Studies show a 63% increased breast cancer risk among exposed workers. Cases are assessed on the interval between exposure and diagnosis, considered alongside how long the exposure lasted.

Key Health Risks Linked to EtO (Based on EPA and NIOSH Studies)

• Leukemias (all types).
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
• Multiple Myeloma.
• Lung Cancer (limited to non-smokers).
• Breast Cancer.

If diagnosed with these after EtO exposure, you may qualify for an ethylene oxide cancer lawsuit—our ethylene oxide attorneys can review your case for free.

Can Medical Tests Confirm Exposure to Ethylene Oxide?

Yes, but confirmation can be challenging due to EtO’s rapid metabolism. Tests include:
– Blood or urine analysis for EtO adducts (DNA damage markers).
– Hemoglobin adducts for recent exposure.
– Biomonitoring via the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Medical records showing elevated markers, combined with residency or employment proof, strengthen EtO cancer risks claims. An experienced ethylene oxide lawyer can help gather this evidence.

Current EtO Lawsuits and Settlements [Updated September 2026]

EtO litigation continues to expand, with plaintiffs alleging negligent emissions causing cancers. Major updates include:

• July 28, 2025 Federal lawsuit against Eastman Chemical in Texas for EtO emissions causing breast cancer in six plaintiffs, alleging over 565,000 pounds released by 2022.
• July 21, 2025 Documents reveal political interference delaying EPA EtO regulations, strengthening claims of industry prioritization over public health.
• July 17, 2025 Air tests show EtO levels hundreds of times above cancer risk thresholds near facilities, undermining EPA modeling.
• July 17, 2025 President Trump’s proclamation grants extensions to facilities like PCS in Massachusetts and Sterigenics, prolonging community exposure.
• July 15, 2025 Biden admin evaluating exemptions from emissions limits, impacting over 10 million near petrochemical sites.
• April 2025 Sterigenics resolved further Willowbrook, IL claims following its 2023 settlement.
• March 2025 Steris $48.15 million settlement for ~300 claims in Waukegan, IL.
• 2026 New EtO personal-injury cases continue to be filed in federal court, including Franco v. B. Braun Medical, Inc. (E.D. Pa., No. 2:26-cv-03408, filed May 18, 2026) and Nash v. Steris Plc (N.D. Ill., No. 1:26-cv-05832, filed May 19, 2026).

What a case may be worth depends on the cancer diagnosed, the strength of the exposure evidence, and the facility involved. There is no standard figure, and any range quoted before your medical and exposure records are reviewed is an estimate, not a prediction. Contact an ethylene oxide lawyer to see if recent updates affect your lawsuit.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive from an Ethylene Oxide Exposure Claim?

Compensation varies by case, with no guarantees. Recoverable damages in an ethylene oxide claim can include medical expenses, lost income and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and — where a jury finds gross negligence — punitive damages. The value of any individual claim depends on the diagnosis, the exposure history, and the governing state law; we do not estimate case values in advance. Consult an EtO cancer lawyer for a personalized estimate in your ethylene oxide lawsuit.

What Recoverable Damages Are Included in an Ethylene Oxide Claim?

Recoverable damages may include:
– Economic: Medical bills, lost income, future care costs.
– Non-Economic: Pain, emotional distress, loss of quality of life.
– Punitive: To punish egregious conduct.
– Wrongful Death: Funeral costs, loss of companionship for families.

We advance expenses on contingency, deducting only from recoveries in your ethylene oxide lawsuit.

Do You Qualify for an Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit?

Who Can File an Ethylene Oxide Exposure Claim?

Eligible claimants include:

• Direct Victims Residents near a facility for a sustained period after exposure began or workers at sites for a sustained period, diagnosed with qualifying cancers meeting the latency requirement.
• Family Members: Relatives filing wrongful death claims for deceased victims meeting above criteria. No SOL issues except state-specific for deceased (e.g., 3 years from death in MA).

If exposed near facilities in high-risk states like Massachusetts, you may qualify for national EtO lawsuit participation—our local Wellesley office provides MA-specific experience.

What Documents Do I Need to File an Ethylene Oxide Claim?

Essential documents include:
– Medical records (diagnosis, test results confirming exposure/cancer).
– Employment records (for workers).
– Residency proof (e.g., utility bills for 4-mile proximity).
– Death certificate (for wrongful death).
– Exposure evidence (e.g., EPA TRI reports).

Our ethylene oxide lawyers help gather these for your claim.

What Are the Steps to File an Ethylene Oxide Claim?

Filing an ethylene oxide (EtO) claim involves (1) consulting a lawyer, (2) gathering your evidence, and (3) submitting a formal complaint. Once you’ve filed your EtO claim, your case will go through the discovery phase, which may lead to either a trial or a settlement.

Both direct EtO victims and their family members filing on behalf of the deceased victim will go through a similar claims process. The only difference is that EtO victims file a toxic exposure claim while relatives file a wrongful death claim.

Here’s a rundown of the main steps in filing your EtO-related claim:

1. Talk to an Experienced Lawyer Before anything else, consult an attorney with experience handling toxic exposure or wrongful death claims. They can evaluate your case and determine whether or not you may qualify for compensation. If you are deemed eligible, a knowledgeable attorney can answer any and all questions you have, and they will also let you know your next legal options.
2. Gathering Relevant and Necessary Evidence With the guidance and assistance of an attorney, you now know what documents you need to collect. These documents will serve as evidence that may help support your claim. To give you an idea, you and your lawyer might need the following records: Medical records, such as a diagnosis or test results; Employment records for EtO facility employees; Resident records for those residing close to EtO facilities; Death certificate for family members filing a wrongful death lawsuit related to EtO exposure.
3. Filing and Submitting a Formal Complaint A formal legal complaint will be drafted and filed by your trusted attorney. This legal document outlines your EtO claim and the compensation you are seeking from the responsible party.
4. Participating in the Discovery Process During the discovery phase, both parties share and swap evidence, information, and other necessary documents for the lawsuit. This process may include interviews or depositions as well.
5. Going to Trial or Negotiating a Settlement If the company you sued refuses to settle, then your EtO claim will proceed to court for trial. In a trial, both sides will present their evidence to a judge or jury, who will decide the case’s outcome. Alternatively, a settlement may also be reached either before going to trial or during the trial process. You and your lawyer may review the settlement offered by the company you sued.

At Marin & Murphy, we streamline this process as your ethylene oxide lawyer, advancing all costs on contingency for your lawsuit.

Which facilities are we actually working on?

We used to list every ethylene oxide facility in the country on this page. We have taken that list down, and it is worth saying why.

A directory of sixty-odd plant names reads like a promise — that we have looked at each one, that a claim exists at each one, and that we can act on all of them. None of that was true, and publishing it drew people to a page that could not answer their question. We would rather show you the facilities we have actually done the work on, and be straight about the rest.

For each plant listed above we pulled EPA’s year-by-year release record and its modelled census-tract cancer risk from EPA’s own databases, one facility at a time, and wrote up what we found — including where the numbers are weak. That is a slower way to build a website and a more honest one.

If the plant nearest you is not on that list, it does not mean there is nothing there. Ethylene oxide has been reported to EPA by hundreds of facilities across the country, and the ones being accepted into this litigation change over time. Tell us the address and the diagnosis and we will look at the federal record for that specific plant and tell you what it shows — including if the answer is that it shows very little. Free case review, and there is no fee unless there is a recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on EtO Lawsuits

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.

What is an ethylene oxide lawsuit?

An ethylene oxide lawsuit involves legal claims against facilities or companies for negligently emitting EtO, a known carcinogen, causing cancers like leukemia, breast cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer, seeking compensation for medical costs and pain, with settlements reported in the Illinois Sterigenics litigation.

How can an ethylene oxide lawyer prove exposure?

Through medical tests like DNA adducts, residency or employment records showing proximity to facilities, and EPA TRI data, with expert testimony linking emissions to diagnoses, as seen in 2025 cases like Terumo BCT in Colorado.

What is the statute of limitations for an ethylene oxide lawsuit?

Varies by state, typically 2-6 years from diagnosis (e.g., 3 years in Massachusetts); wrongful death claims may start from death, with discovery rule extensions—consult promptly to avoid missing filing deadlines.

How much does it cost to hire an ethylene oxide lawyer?

Nothing upfront; we work on contingency, advancing all expenses like court fees, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs, as in our PFAS cases. Read more about our Mass Tort fee structure here: https://marinmurphylaw.com/fee-structure-mass-tort-cases

Can family members file an ethylene oxide lawsuit?

Yes, for wrongful death if the deceased met exposure criteria (e.g., 1-year proximity, qualifying cancer), seeking damages like funeral costs, with 2025 settlements like Sterigenics including family claims.

What are the recent developments in ethylene oxide lawsuits?

Sterigenics resolved additional Willowbrook, Illinois claims in 2025, Eastman Chemical was sued in Texas over EtO emissions, and EPA rule delays continue to shape the litigation.

Is EtO still used in sterilization despite lawsuits?

Yes, for medical devices under stricter 2024 EPA rules (90% emission cuts by 2026), but historical exposures drive claims, with July 2025 extensions for facilities like PCS prolonging risks.

How does your PFAS experience apply to ethylene oxide lawsuits?

Our work in environmental and toxic-exposure litigation carries over to EtO claims — carcinogen exposure analysis, evidence gathering, and contingency-based representation.

What proof do I need for an EtO lawsuit?

Medical records (e.g., leukemia diagnosis), residency/employment proof (1-year minimum exposure), latency evidence, and EPA TRI data, with our lawyers assisting to build strong cases.

Can I join a national EtO lawsuit?

CONTACT OUR ETHYLENE OXIDE LAWYERS TODAY

If ethylene oxide exposure has left you or a loved one struggling with cancer or other health issues, you don’t have to face it alone. At the Marin & Murphy Law Firm, our lawyers are investigating cases involving leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other conditions linked to EtO emissions from sterilization facilities. We understand how overwhelming these situations can be, and we’re here to fight for accountability and the compensation available under the law.

Why Choose the Marin & Murphy Law Firm?

• Experience in Environmental Mass Torts – We’ve built a strong reputation taking on corporations when their emissions harm communities. Right now, we’re digging deep into EtO cases, focusing on serious issues like genotoxic risks and life-changing cancers. Our experience means we know how to build a case that gets results.
• Personalized Support for You – Your case isn’t just a number to us. We’ll listen to what you’ve been through and tailor our approach to fit your needs. If you have experienced severe side effects from EtO exposure, our firm is ready to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
• Nationwide Representation – No matter where you live, we’ve got you covered. Our firm is currently accepting ethylene oxide lawsuits across the country, bringing our experience to anyone affected by this chemical. You don’t have to search far for help—we’re here.
• No Risk to You – Worried about costs? Don’t be. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront fees. There is no fee unless there is a recovery, so you can focus on healing while we handle the fight.

Deadlines Apply to EtO Claims

Dealing with EtO-related illnesses is hard enough without wondering what to do next. Contact the Marin & Murphy Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 888-348-2735. We’ll sit down with you, hear your story, and explain your options in a way that makes sense. Claims can have deadlines, so it is worth having your situation reviewed.

Disclaimer The case results described above are provided for informational purposes only and reflect outcomes achieved in specific matters handled by Marin & Murphy Law Firm. 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. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. For a comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim, please contact our firm directly.