Schneider Responds to Reports Trump Administration EPA is Considering Weakening Risk Assessment of Ethylene Oxide
Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) released the following statement in response to reporting by the Chicago Tribune that the Trump Administration is reconsidering the risk assessment of ethylene oxide (EtO) after lobbying from the chemical industry:
"Reports that the Trump Administration is considering unjustifiably weakening the risk assessment of ethylene oxide are severely troubling. If the U.S. EPA does so, it would put the economic interests of the chemical industry ahead of the health and well-being of our communities. During my meeting with Administrator Wheeler earlier this week, I again pressed him to protect the science in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment of EtO which shows the chemical is dangerous, even at low levels. We must not allow the U.S. EPA to undermine the IRIS findings with industry-backed, predetermined and bogus science. In light of this reporting, it is even more urgent that Administrator Wheeler accept the bipartisan Congressional Ethylene Oxide Task Force invitation to meet with our members, Republican and Democrat, who represent these affected communities."
Background:
Ethylene oxide is an industrial chemical used to sterilize medical equipment and manufacture products such as anti-freeze. In 2016, the EPA listed EtO as a known carcinogen, however the agency has yet to release a rule regulating the use of the chemical by medical sterilizers, nor has the agency engaged with communities affected by EtO emissions. This inaction has created public concern in communities surrounding facilities that use EtO, including sites in Waukegan and Gurnee in the 10th Congressional District (Schneider).