Sterigenics issued a press release this afternoon regarding an investigation by the state Environmental Protection Division into a release of the carcinogen ethylene oxide into the air in July of this year.

The Sterigenics plant became a focus of community concern after an article jointly published by Georgia Health News and WebMD reported that three census tracts, two in the Smyrna area and one in Covington, had unacceptable levels of cancer risk by EPA standards, due to elevated amounts of ethylene oxide in the air.

Text of the Sterigenics Press Release

STERIGENICS COMMENTS ON GEORGIA EPD’S INVESTIGATION FINDINGS

Investigation concludes Sterigenics complied with relevant rules

October 3, 2019 – Atlanta, GA – Sterigenics, a leading provider of mission-critical sterilization services to the healthcare industry, today commented on the findings of the Georgia EPD’s investigation into a July 2019 release of ethylene oxide (EO) at its Atlanta facility, which was below reportable levels.

Following a thorough investigation, the EPD concluded that Sterigenics complied with the relevant reporting rules. The company issued the following statement:

“Sterigenics appreciates the EPD’s diligent efforts in conducting its investigation and fully cooperated with that investigation. The findings of the EPD’s investigation reaffirm our consistent compliance with applicable rules. In fact, as disclosed to the EPD, all EO releases from the facility in aggregate over the past five years were less than the 10-pound reporting threshold for each release. Consistent with our commitment to transparency, we have agreed to provide the EPD with monthly reports regarding all known EO releases, including those below reportable levels.”

“Sterigenics has always operated with a focus on safety and is committed to completing the voluntary enhancements at our Atlanta facility to further reduce ethylene oxide emissions below already safe levels. With the installation of those enhancements nearing completion, we continue to work with State and local officials to resume sterilization operations in order to provide vital, sterilized medical products and devices to the patients and hospitals that depend on them.”