Mason Passes Legislation Regulating Emissions of Ethylene Oxide

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Residents of Lake County will soon be able to breathe easier, thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 1854, a measure sponsored by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, that cracks down on facilities that emit the cancer-causing chemical ethylene oxide. Senate Bill 1854 has passed both houses and now makes its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“For years, facilities that use ethylene oxide have been allowed to freely release it into our air under little to no scrutiny from regulatory bodies,” said Mason. “This legislation imposes much-needed regulations on these facilities by requiring them to submit to unannounced inspections by the Environmental Protection Agency, new caps on their emissions and regular ambient air quality testing.”

Ethylene oxide is a carcinogenic chemical commonly used for manufacturing or sterilization purposes in industrial factories. According to the U.S. EPA, exposure to ethylene oxide has been shown to cause types of lymphoma and leukemia in humans. To find additional information about Senate Bill 1854 or ethylene oxide, please contact Mason’s constituent service office by calling 847-485-9986 or emailing info@repjoycemason.com.

“Our residents should not have to fear for their health and the health of their children every time they walk outside and take a breath of air,” said Mason. “The passage of this measure means we are taking a strong stance against harmful polluters and prioritizing the health of our residents for generations to come.”