Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit
- Last Updated: May 5th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
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TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
Key takeaways:
- Individuals eligible for ethylene oxide exposure lawsuits include those who lived or worked within 1-3 kilometers of facilities using EtO and developed linked conditions such as breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) is classified as a known human carcinogen with both short-term effects (irritation, headaches, nausea) and serious long-term health impacts including increased cancer risk and reproductive problems.
- Successful legal actions against EtO-emitting companies have resulted in significant settlements, including Sotera Health's $408 million agreement resolving 870+ claims in Illinois courts in 2023.
Who Is Eligible to Sue for Ethylene Oxide Exposure-Related Injuries?
Question: Who is eligible file in the Ethylene Oxide exposure lawsuit?
Answer: Individuals who may be eligible to sue for ethylene oxide exposure-related injuries include those who lived or worked near facilities emitting ethylene oxide (EtO) and subsequently developed cancer or other serious health conditions.
This includes workers in sterilization plants, residents in high-exposure areas, and others with prolonged environmental or occupational exposure to EtO.
TruLaw is actively accepting new clients for the Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit.
On this page, we’ll discuss this question in further depth, health effects of exposure to Ethylene Oxide, filing an Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit, and much more.
Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit Eligibility Criteria
Specific groups at risk include employees of EtO-using facilities, residents with homes near such facilities, and close family members of EtO-exposure victims.
Common illnesses linked to EtO exposure that may qualify for legal action include breast cancer, various types of leukemia (ALL, AML, CLL, Hairy Cell Leukemia), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and birth defects.
Those who have suffered due to EtO exposure may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
It is important for potential claimants to consult with experienced attorneys promptly, as there are state-specific deadlines for toxic exposure and wrongful death claims.
If you or someone you love has experienced cancer or other serious health conditions following ethylene oxide exposure, you may be qualify to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to file an ethylene oxide exposure claim.
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How Can An Ethylene Oxide Exposure Attorney from TruLaw Help You?
Our Ethylene Oxide Exposure attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing an Ethylene Oxide Exposure lawsuit.
With extensive experience in toxic chemical exposure cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how ethylene oxide emissions from industrial facilities caused you harm.
TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, cancer treatments, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages resulting from your ethylene oxide exposure injuries.
We understand the physical and emotional toll that ethylene oxide-related illnesses have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.
Meet the Lead Ethylene Oxide Exposure Attorney at TruLaw
Meet our lead Ethylene Oxide Exposure attorney:
- Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in toxic exposure and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
How much does hiring an Ethylene Oxide Exposure lawyer from TruLaw cost?
At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one developed cancer or other health problems after being exposed to ethylene oxide emissions from nearby industrial facilities, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an Ethylene Oxide Exposure lawsuit today.
Health Effects of Exposure to Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene oxide (EtO) presents numerous health hazards to those who come into contact with this colorless gas used widely in industrial settings.
As a sterilizing agent for medical equipment and a component in various manufacturing processes, EtO exposure affects thousands of workers and nearby residents annually.
The health impacts vary based on exposure intensity, duration, and individual susceptibility factors, with both immediate and delayed effects documented through years of scientific research and workplace monitoring.
Common Health Problems Linked to Ethylene Oxide
When people encounter ethylene oxide, particularly at higher concentrations, their bodies often respond with noticeable symptoms that can appear within minutes to hours after exposure.
These reactions serve as warning signs of potential harm occurring at the cellular level.
Some of the most frequently observed health problems include:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs leading to burning sensations and breathing difficulties
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue that may persist for hours after exposure ends
- Skin irritation and potential burns when liquid EtO makes direct contact
- Vomiting and gastrointestinal distress following heavy exposure
- Nervous system effects including coordination problems and numbness in extremities
The severity of these reactions typically correlates with exposure concentration and duration.
While most symptoms resolve when the person moves away from the source of EtO, repeated short-term exposures may lead to more persistent health problems.
Healthcare workers, sterilization facility employees, and chemical plant workers face the highest risk of experiencing these acute effects due to their occupational proximity to this hazardous substance.
Long-term Health Effects from Industrial EtO Exposure
Prolonged contact with ethylene oxide at even low levels can trigger cellular changes that may eventually lead to serious illness years after initial exposure.
Research tracking workers in sterilization facilities has provided valuable information about these delayed health impacts.
The EPA classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen based on compelling evidence from multiple studies.
Workers exposed to EtO over extended periods show increased rates of blood and lymphatic system cancers, with lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma appearing at higher frequencies than in the general population.
For women, breast cancer risk also rises significantly, with one study finding a 60% increased risk of intraductal breast cancer among residents living within 3 kilometers of EtO facilities.
This finding expands concerns beyond workplace settings to include residential areas near industrial operations.
Beyond cancer, ethylene oxide exposure correlates with reproductive problems including increased miscarriage rates and potential birth defects due to EtO’s ability to damage genetic material.
Neurological issues such as memory impairment, motor skill deficits, and peripheral neuropathy have been documented in long-term exposed workers, sometimes persisting years after exposure ceases.
These findings have prompted stricter regulatory standards and increased monitoring of facilities using this chemical, though many experts argue current protections remain insufficient.
Filing an Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit
Legal actions related to ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure have gained momentum in recent years as scientific evidence mounts about this chemical’s health hazards.
Numerous plaintiffs have successfully pursued compensation from companies operating sterilization facilities and other industrial sites that emit this harmful gas.
In 2023, one notable settlement saw Sotera Health (parent company of Sterigenics) agree to pay $408 million to resolve more than 870 claims filed in Illinois courts.
This legal landscape continues to evolve as more people recognize the potential connection between their health conditions and proximity to EtO-emitting facilities.
Determining If You Qualify for an EtO Lawsuit
Whether you can pursue legal action depends on several key factors that attorneys evaluate during initial consultations.
The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction and law firm, but common patterns exist across successful cases.
Factors that typically establish qualification for an EtO lawsuit include:
- Documented exposure through residential history or employment records showing you lived or worked within approximately 1-3 kilometers of a facility using ethylene oxide
- Medical diagnosis of a condition scientifically linked to EtO exposure, particularly breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or other blood disorders
- Timing of your diagnosis aligning with exposure periods and latency periods for disease development
- Absence of other major risk factors that would present alternative explanations for your condition
- Meeting your state’s statute of limitations for toxic tort claims
The case evaluation process generally begins with a free consultation where attorneys assess these factors.
Many law firms handling EtO cases work on contingency, meaning they only collect fees if they secure compensation for you.
This makes legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation.
Timeline for Ethylene Oxide Litigation Claims
The legal journey for ethylene oxide claims follows a predictable pattern, though each case progresses at its own pace.
Understanding this timeline helps plaintiffs prepare for what lies ahead in their pursuit of justice.
Most states enforce time limits ranging from one to six years for filing toxic exposure claims.
This countdown typically begins on the “discovery date” – when you knew or reasonably should have known your illness might be linked to EtO exposure.
In Colorado, for example, plaintiffs generally have two years from this discovery date to file.
After retaining an attorney, the pre-filing investigation phase begins, during which your legal team gathers medical records, residence history, employment documentation, and scientific evidence.
Once filed, the case enters discovery, where both sides exchange information through document requests, written questions, and witness testimonies – a process that often spans 6-12 months.
Many cases reach settlement before trial, but if yours proceeds to court, expect an additional waiting period for your trial date.
While some plaintiffs receive compensation within a year of filing, more involved cases may take two to three years to resolve completely.
TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit
Ethylene oxide exposure lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who developed cancer and other serious health conditions after being exposed to industrial emissions of this toxic gas.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the ethylene oxide exposure lawsuit.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your ethylene oxide exposure lawsuit include:
- If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The ethylene oxide exposure lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
- Expertise: We have decades of experience handling toxic exposure cases similar to the ethylene oxide exposure lawsuit.
- Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
If you or a loved one developed breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or other health problems after being exposed to ethylene oxide emissions from nearby industrial facilities, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit today.
Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
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Where are ethylene oxide plants typically located?
Ethylene oxide plants operate across various locations in the United States, primarily in industrial zones near manufacturing centers.
These facilities are often concentrated in states with significant chemical manufacturing infrastructure, including Texas, Louisiana, and Illinois.
Some plants are situated in close proximity to residential areas, which has raised concerns about potential exposure risks to nearby communities.
The EPA and state environmental agencies maintain databases of registered ethylene oxide facilities that must comply with emissions regulations.
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What is the average payout for Sterigenics lawsuit claimants?
Settlement amounts in Sterigenics lawsuits vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the severity of the illness, duration of exposure, and strength of evidence linking the exposure to health conditions.
While specific numbers fluctuate, some cases have reportedly settled for amounts ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars per person.
It’s important to note that each case is evaluated individually, and past settlements do not guarantee similar outcomes for current or future claims.
Consulting with an attorney specializing in toxic exposure litigation provides the most accurate assessment of potential compensation.
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How is Baxter International involved in ethylene oxide controversies?
Baxter International, a major healthcare company, has faced scrutiny regarding its use of ethylene oxide for medical equipment sterilization at various facilities.
The company operates sterilization plants that have been subject to regulatory investigations concerning emissions levels and compliance with environmental standards.
In some communities where Baxter facilities operate, residents have expressed concerns about potential health impacts and have participated in air quality monitoring programs.
Baxter has responded by implementing enhanced emission control technologies at some locations while maintaining that their operations adhere to all applicable safety regulations.
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What should I know about the Midwest Sterilization Corporation lawsuit?
The lawsuit against Midwest Sterilization Corporation alleges that the company’s ethylene oxide emissions have caused serious health problems for nearby residents.
Plaintiffs claim the corporation knew or should have known about the dangers of ethylene oxide exposure but failed to implement adequate safety measures to protect surrounding communities.
The litigation involves numerous plaintiffs who report various health conditions, including cancer, respiratory issues, and other ailments allegedly connected to prolonged exposure.
As with similar cases, the legal proceedings involve complex scientific evidence, expert testimony, and evaluation of regulatory compliance over extended periods.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
Additional Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit resources on our website:
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
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With TruLaw, you gain access to successful and seasoned lawyers who maximize your chances of success. Our lawyers invest in you—they do not receive a dime until your lawsuit reaches a successful resolution!
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Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
