Congressman Cohen Seeks Swift Reduction in Ethylene Oxide Emissions

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) has written to David Connor, general manager of Sterilization Services of Tennessee (SST), seeking the company's swift reduction in toxic ethylene oxide emissions from its facility in Memphis. The chemical is used to sterilize medical equipment and was last year determined to be more hazardous than previously known.

Congressman Cohen's letter reads in part:

"I have been following with great interest the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Community Against Pollution meetings regarding toxic ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from the Sterilization Services of Tennessee (SST) site and the EPA's proposed rule to curb EtO emissions. As the Congressman who represents the neighborhood where SST is located, I am concerned about the potential health impacts that EtO emissions may have on nearby residents and would appreciate learning about SST's plans to reduce EtO emissions.

"With the knowledge that EtO is 60 times more hazardous than previously thought, the community near SST is rightfully anxious. Although the EPA is still accepting public comment on its proposed rule that would reduce EtO emissions by 80 percent by addressing fugitive and stack emissions, I hope that SST will take proactive action to reduce emissions to protect the health of its workforce and the neighboring community.

"I hope you will work with the Shelby County Health Department and the EPA to proactively reduce EtO emissions as soon as possible."

Read the entire letter here.

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