Mason-Sponsored Ethylene Oxide Emissions Regulations Take Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Manufacturing and sterilization facilities in Illinois now face tough regulations on the use of toxic ethylene oxide gas under laws championed by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee.

“When I first learned of the amount of ethylene oxide being emitted by facilities in our community, I knew we had to take action,” Mason said. “The realization that our residents have been breathing such high levels of this carcinogen was heartbreaking. Upon learning this news, I immediately moved ethylene oxide to the forefront of my legislative agenda.”

Senate Bills 1852 and 1854 were signed into law by the governor on June 21 of last year. Under Senate Bill 1852, sterilization facilities using ethylene oxide must reduce emissions of the chemical by at least 99.9% or to 0.2 parts per million. Senate Bill 1854 requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to place emissions caps on manufacturing facilities that use ethylene oxide. Both Senate Bills 1852 and 1854 outline requirements for regular, independently conducted ethylene oxide emissions testings to ensure all facilities are continually operating within legal limits.

“I’m glad to see the effects of this bipartisan legislation come to fruition,” Mason said. “I know my work on ethylene oxide isn’t over, but I’m immensely proud of the results we achieved on this issue this year. One of my top priorities as a legislator is to make our community a safer, healthier place to live, and I look forward to continuing to pursue that goal in the upcoming legislative session.”