Yingling Pushes Legislation to Limit the Use of Ethylene Oxide

CHICAGO, Ill. – Along with several other legislators, environmental groups, and activist groups, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, held a press conference unveiling House Bill 3888 to combat the growing health crisis that ethylene oxide, a toxic chemical linked to various forms of cancer, has caused.

“We cannot allow companies to poison people for profits,” said Yingling. “Now is the time for the legislature to unite and send a clear, strong message that emitting unsafe amounts of ethylene oxide into our state will not be tolerated.”
Yingling’s House Bill 3888 adds a number of restrictions and regulations on the use of ethylene oxide. The bill bans the use of ethylene oxide for sterilizers by 2021 and hospitals by 2022. The legislation would also require air monitoring for all ethylene oxide emission points, reporting by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on where ethylene oxide is being emitted, and increased public information.

While Yingling has fought in Springfield to limit ethylene oxide usage, he has also been working around his district to raise awareness of the issue and rally public support. Yingling has informed the public about the issue at an environmental town hall, as well as during his various Coffee with Sam events. Yingling met with concerned citizens and activists about the issue to learn how he can best help the community. Yingling also circulated petitions in support of stopping the use of ethylene oxide. Residents who are interested in adding their names to Yingling’s petition can contact his constituent service office at 847-231-6262.

“I will always put the health and safety of families across the state over the profits of greedy companies,” said Yingling. “This bill will bring the peace of mind back to the thousands of families near ethylene oxide emission points that they, their families, friends, and neighbors are not being poisoned each time they take a breath. I am very honored to be supporting this bill, and call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this essential piece of legislation.”