Manley Continues Fight to Limit Use of Harmful Ethylene Oxide

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Under a measure supported by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, industrial facilities that sterilize medical equipment will face further oversight and be required to limit their use of dangerous chemicals like ethylene oxide.

“Ethylene oxide is a proven carcinogen, and there are proven alternative sterilization methods that can and should be utilized,” said Manley. “It is time for our state to put an end to practices that allow corporations to put their profits ahead of our health.”

Manley supported House Bill 3888, which adds a wide array of restrictions and regulations on the use of ethylene oxide. This measure bans the use of ethylene oxide for sterilizers by 2021 and hospitals by 2022, as well as requires air monitoring and reporting for all ethylene oxide emission points. This measure recently passed out of the Illinois House and is now in the Senate for consideration.

“I urge lawmakers in the Senate to stand up for the Illinois families that have been forced to breathe poisoned air as irresponsible corporations have been allowed to dump dangerous amounts of deadly ethylene oxide into the air with no regulation,” said Manley. “We must hold polluters accountable and protect Illinois families.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.