Costa Howard Backs Legislation to Limit Use of Toxic Ethylene Oxide

LOMBARD, Ill. – To protect DuPage County residents from emissions of ethylene oxide, a toxic chemical linked to several types of lethal cancers, state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, is backing a new legislative proposal to limit the use of the chemical by industrial facilities, such as Sterigenics International in Willowbrook.

“It is outrageous that Sterigenics has been allowed to spew dangerous amounts of deadly ethylene oxide into the air for decades,” said Costa Howard. “It is time for our state to stand up to corporations that put profits ahead of our health and endanger our families.”

Costa Howard is backing House Bill 3888, which adds a wide array of restrictions and regulations on the use of ethylene oxide to sterilize medical equipment. The legislation also would require air monitoring for all ethylene oxide emission points, specific reporting by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on ethylene oxide emissions in Illinois communities, and increased transparency to the public.

“You shouldn’t have to live in fear of being poisoned with every breath you take inside your own home,” Costa Howard said. “This legislation will hold polluters accountable and bring peace of mind to families living in communities near these dangerous industrial plants. I urge lawmakers to pass this legislation as soon as possible and send it to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Costa Howard’s constituent service office at RepTCH48@gmail.com.