Mason Calls for Complete Ban of Ethylene Oxide Emissions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new piece of legislation sponsored by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is calling for the complete ban of ethylene oxide emissions near highly populated areas, schools and daycares by the year 2021.

“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished with ethylene oxide regulation this year. Without question, Illinois is now the nation’s leader in restricting emissions of ethylene oxide,” said Mason. “However, exposure to any amount of ethylene oxide is detrimental to the health of our residents, which is why I am proud to be championing legislation that brings the level of ethylene oxide emitted in our community to virtually zero.”

In addition to banning emissions near highly populated areas, Mason’s House Bill 3888 calls for the elimination of ethylene oxide emissions from hospitals by the year 2022. Mason led the fight for the nation’s toughest regulation of ethylene oxide during her first legislative session this spring, passing two measures that severely limit the amount of ethylene oxide that can be emitted by both sterilization and manufacturing facilities.

“I raised my children just miles from our area’s largest emitters, while myself and countless other residents were kept in the dark for years about the cancer-causing effects of those emissions,” said Mason. “I am determined to protect current and future generations from harmful polluters, and I will continue fighting for tougher restrictions on ethylene oxide emissions until its hazardous effects have been eliminated in our community.”