EPA proposes regulations to limit cancer risks from sterilization chemicals.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new restrictions on facilities that use ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical used to sterilize medical devices and spices. The proposed rules aim to reduce ethylene oxide gas emissions by 80%, bringing them below a Clean Air Act standard for elevated cancer risk. Environmental groups have applauded the proposed restrictions, but noted that they don't go far enough to protect vulnerable communities. The proposed rules would apply to 86 commercial sterilization facilities in the US that use ethylene oxide gas to fumigate spices and medical devices.