EPA proposes stricter regulations on sterilization chemicals to reduce cancer risk.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to limit the use of ethylene oxide, a chemical used to sterilize billions of medical devices each year, after finding higher than expected cancer risk at facilities that use it. The proposal will reduce ethylene oxide emissions by roughly 80% by targeting 86 medical sterilization facilities across the United States. The companies will also have to test for the antimicrobial chemical in the air and make sure their pollution controls are working properly. Ethylene oxide is a gas used to sterilize roughly half of all medical devices and is also used to ensure the safety of certain spices and other food products.