Ethylene oxide levels at the Vernon facility were more than six times higher than that allowed by the state, according to testing done from April 22 to July 2.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District filed a petition Friday ordering Sterigenics, a medical device sterilization company in Vernon, to either stop polluting or to cease certain operations.
The air quality regulator found the company was emitting a cancer-causing gas called ethylene oxide at a level that was six times higher than what is allowed by the state, according to monitoring from April 22 to July 2. Though the emissions dropped to background levels at the nearest residential area, the South Coast AQMD believes long-term exposure could still pose a risk to workers in the industrial park.
“Exposure to EtO over a number of years increases the risk of certain cancers, and facilities must ensure that their operations don’t negatively impact public health,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s executive officer. “The intent of this order is to reduce emissions as quickly and effectively as possible.
If the petition is approved by the board, Sterigenics will have to make the changes within a to-be-determined schedule or immediately cease the operations causing the emissions, according to the petition. The filing states that Sterigenics has cooperated with the investigation so far. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn offered her support for the petition in a statement Friday afternoon. Hahn previously called for the
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