Residents in southwest Memphis are concerned about the ongoing release of ethylene oxide from a local sterilization facility, which has prompted health and environmental concerns. Andy Miller, reporting for KFF Health News, highlights the impact of Sterilization Services of Tennessee’s emissions of ethylene oxide since the 1970s on the predominantly Black community in southwest Memphis.
Community advocates have linked various health issues, such as cancer, to exposure to this toxic gas, which has been supported by recent scientific studies. Despite plans to close the facility, residents remain skeptical about continued pollution and are calling for stricter regulatory measures to be put in place.
A statement from a local resident, Rose Sims, illustrates the personal impact of the situation: “I used to be outside a lot. I was in good health. All of a sudden, I got breast cancer.” This quote highlights the real-life consequences of ethylene oxide exposure on individuals in the community.
Ethylene oxide is classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and its presence in the air increases the risk of breast cancer and lymphomas. Communal areas near facilities emitting ethylene oxide like those surrounding Sterilization Services of Tennessee face heightened health risks. This has sparked a larger conversation about the necessity for strict regulatory oversight to safeguard vulnerable communities from the disproportional effects of industrial pollution.
The release of ethylene oxide from a local sterilization facility has raised concerns about health and environmental issues among residents in southwest Memphis. The impact of Sterilization Services of Tennessee’s emissions since 1970s on predominantly Black community is highlighted by Andy Miller reporting for KFF Health News.
Community advocates have linked various health issues such as cancer to exposure to this toxic gas which has been supported by recent scientific studies. Despite plans to close the facility, residents remain skeptical about continued pollution and are calling for stricter regulatory measures.
Rose Sims statement illustrates personal impact “I used to be outside a lot. I was in good health. All of a sudden, I got breast cancer” quote highlights real-life consequences of ethylene oxide exposure on individuals in community.
Ethylene oxide is classified as carcinogen by EPA and its presence in air increases risk breast cancer and lymphomas communal areas near facilities emitting ethylene oxide like those surrounding Sterilization Services
