Recently, residents in southwest Memphis have become increasingly concerned about the ongoing release of ethylene oxide from a local sterilization facility. This toxic gas has been linked to various health issues, such as cancer, by community members and recent scientific studies. Despite plans to close the facility, community advocates are calling for stricter regulatory measures to be put in place.
Ethylene oxide is classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, 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.
One resident, Rose Sims, shared her personal experience with ethylene oxide exposure: “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 exposure to this toxic gas on individuals in the community.
Andy Miller reporting for KFF Health News has highlighted the impact of Sterilization Services of Tennessee’s emissions of ethylene oxide since the 1970s on the predominantly Black community in southwest Memphis. The community advocates remain skeptical about continued pollution and are calling for stricter regulatory measures to be put in place to protect their health and environment.