Yingling Supports Closing of Sterigenics Facility

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, was joined by local residents and the Illinois Environmental Council to speak in favor of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) decision to shut down the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook last Friday.

“I want to thank the governor’s office for their work to prevent the families of our community from being harmed further by the toxic chemicals produced by Sterigenics,” Yingling said. “These new test results prove one thing: Sterigenics needed to be shut down and more studies need to be conducted. I look forward to working with all my colleagues and the governor’s office to ensure Sterigenics is held accountable for their actions.”

On Friday, the IEPA shut down the Sterigenics-Willowbrook facility due to new test results showing that the emissions released by the entity had the highest levels of ethylene oxide recorded in the area. The House Energy and Environment Committee hosted a hearing this week on the issue. Yingling invited a local Grayslake resident to speak on the health issues they are currently facing due to the chemical waste produced by the company.