Mason’s Ethylene Oxide Legislation Signed Into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After months of concerted legislative efforts, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, saw her two landmark ethylene oxide measures signed into law by the governor on Friday.

“As a mom and as a Gurnee resident, the reports of carcinogenic toxins being released into our air is extremely upsetting. Ethylene oxide pollution is a matter of life and death that impacts nearly every resident in my district,” said Mason. “When reports were released showing hazardous levels of ethylene oxide in the air, I knew immediately that we needed to come up with a comprehensive legislative solution to the problem. I worked with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that will serve as one step towards making our air clean and safe for all of our families.”

Both of Mason’s measures signed into law on Friday impose tighter restrictions on the amount of ethylene oxide sterilization and manufacturing facilities are allowed to emit into the air. Friday’s signing also coincides with the Lake County Health Department’s announcement of environmental test results showing elevated levels of ethylene oxide near Medline in Waukegan.

“Seeing these two bills become law has been one of the most fulfilling moments for me as a legislator,” said Mason. “I am proud to have passed measures that truly address the issue of ethylene oxide pollution in our community, and I will continue advancing legislation that prioritizes the health of our residents in every session to come.”