Didech Votes to Crack Down on Toxic Pollutant Emitters

​SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing his strong commitment to protecting the environment, state Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, voted this week to protect the communities he represents from air pollution caused by the reckless use of ethylene oxide (EtO).

“We have a responsibility to protect the air we breathe and the public health of our neighbors,” Didech said. “This legislation will aggressively restrict and in many cases completely ban the use of this dangerous chemical that has been linked to negative health outcomes.” 

Didech helped pass House Bill 3888, which would cut down and help phase out the use of EtO by manufacturers, sterilizers, and hospitals in densely-populated areas like those he represents. The term, ‘densely populated areas,’ would apply to any 5-mile radius from EtO emission sources with a population of at least 10 residents per square mile. Ideally, this measure would strive to assist transitioning out of using EtO all together while protecting communities most at risk. EtO has been identified as a level-one carcinogen, with health studies finding a connection between proximity to EtO and increasing the rate of a cancer diagnosis. The legislation passed out of the House this week and advances to the Senate for further consideration.

“If we are serious about caring for the environment, we cannot stop at pretty slogans and greenwashing advertising. We have to be willing to support common-sense regulations of dangerous chemicals,” Didech said. “I’m proud of our work to protect the health and safety of our communities.”