Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit
- Last Updated: April 29th, 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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Key takeaways:
- Sterigenics faces numerous lawsuits alleging ethylene oxide emissions caused cancer, resulting in significant settlements including $408 million in Illinois and $35 million in Georgia.
- To qualify for a lawsuit, individuals must demonstrate living/working within 1.5 miles of a facility, developing EtO-linked cancers like breast cancer or lymphoma, and meeting statute of limitations requirements.
- Ethylene oxide remains essential for sterilizing approximately 20 billion medical devices annually despite health concerns, prompting the EPA to strengthen regulations aiming to reduce emissions by over 90%.
How do I file a Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit?
Question: How do I file a Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit?
Answer: To file a Sterigenics ethylene oxide exposure lawsuit, you need to gather strong evidence linking your health condition to hazardous emissions from Sterigenics facilities.
This includes obtaining medical records confirming a diagnosis of an EtO-related cancer or serious health problem, proof of residence or employment near medical sterilization plants operated by Sterigenics, and documentation of exposure levels.
TruLaw is actively accepting new clients for the Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit.
On this page, we’ll discuss this question in further depth, filing a Sterigenics lawsuit for EtO exposure, medical equipment sterilization and ethylene oxide, and much more.
Filing a Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide Exposure Lawsuit
You should collect any available air quality reports, emissions data or evidence of exposure risks and regulatory violations by the company.
Once you have compiled this evidence, contact a law firm experienced in handling ethylene oxide lawsuits.
They can evaluate your case for free, help gather additional evidence, assess potential damages, and file the lawsuit on your behalf.
Lawsuits typically allege that Sterigenics negligently released toxic EtO emissions, failed to warn the public about long term exposure, and ignored known health risks.
If successful, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to EtO exposure.
If you or someone you love has experienced cancer or other serious health complications due to ethylene oxide exposure, you may 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 a Sterigenics ethylene oxide lawsuit.
Table of Contents
Medical Equipment Sterilization and Ethylene Oxide
Medical equipment sterilization serves as a key process in healthcare to prevent infections and avoid potential safety hazard issues for patients.
Companies use ethylene oxide (EtO) in commercial sterilization facilities to produce sterile medical devices and surgical kits on a massive scale, with approximately 20 billion devices sterilized using this method annually.
This gas functions as a sterilizing agent that plays an important role in making sure medical tools and equipment remain free from harmful microorganisms when used in procedures and treatments.
Regulatory Oversight of Ethylene Oxide Emissions
Government agencies and health administration authorities closely monitor and regulate ethylene oxide use due to occupational safety, human health and environmental concerns.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) serves as the primary regulator of EtO emissions from sterilization plants through federal regulations in the United States.
The EPA has recently strengthened its rules regarding ethylene oxide, classified as a human carcinogen, issuing a final rule that aims to reduce emissions from commercial sterilizers by more than 90%.
These regulations fall under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, which requires the agency to review and update emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants every eight years.
The FDA also works alongside the EPA to balance the need for effective medical device sterilization performed by medical sterilization companies with minimizing potential health risks from ethylene oxide exposure while maintaining standards for FDA approval of sterilization methods.
Filing a Sterigenics Lawsuit for EtO Exposure
Sterigenics, a major operator of medical sterilization facilities that Sterigenics owns, has faced numerous lawsuits related to ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from their facilities.
These legal actions have resulted in substantial settlements, including a $408 million agreement resolving more than 870 claims related to the Illinois sterilization facility and a $35 million settlement involving 79 plaintiffs in Georgia.
The lawsuits allege that EtO emissions from Sterigenics facilities have caused various health issues, with cancer being the primary concern for those exposed to this cancer causing chemical among other chemicals.
Determining If You Qualify for Compensation
Qualifying for an ethylene oxide lawsuit depends on several factors related to your exposure and health condition.
Your eligibility for pursuing legal action hinges on demonstrating a connection between EtO exposure and your illness.
Factors that may qualify you for compensation include:
- Being among community members, local residents or workers exposed within 1.5 miles of the Sterigenics willowbrook facility or other Sterigenics locations during the period when EtO was being emitted
- Developing certain types of cancer or illness linked to EtO exposure, such as breast cancer, lymphoma, lymphocytic leukemia, impaired coordination, or disorders affecting white blood cells and other blood components
- Having no strong family history or other risk factors that would better explain your condition
- Meeting the statute of limitations requirements in your state for filing a toxic exposure claim
Many successful cases have been built on showing a clear timeline between exposure and illness onset.
In one notable case, a jury awarded $363 million to a woman who developed breast cancer after living near the willowbrook plant in Illinois, where an estimated 254,000 pounds of ethylene oxide were released between 1993 and 2017.
Documentation Needed to Prove Ethylene Oxide Exposure
Building a strong case requires thorough documentation that establishes both your exposure to ethylene oxide and the resulting health effects.
Medical records form the foundation of your claim by showing your diagnosis and treatment history.
Your legal team will need evidence that confirms your proximity to a Sterigenics facility during the relevant time period.
This can include property records, lease agreements, documentation of exposure in occupational settings, or tax returns that verify your residential or work address during the exposure timeframe.
Gathering any available air quality reports, EPA findings, toxics release inventory data, or other environmental testing data for the area can help establish the presence and concentration of ethylene oxide in your vicinity.
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, with many clients reporting a very positive experience throughout the legal process.
If you or a loved one developed health problems after being exposed to ethylene oxide emissions from a nearby Sterigenics sterilization facility, 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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What is the average Sterigenics lawsuit payout per person?
Settlement amounts in Sterigenics lawsuits vary significantly based on individual circumstances, including exposure duration, severity of health impacts, and specific medical conditions developed.
While some cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts approved by a cook county jury or federal judge, most individual settlements remain confidential.
Compensation typically aims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to ethylene oxide exposure.
Consulting with an experienced attorney specializing in toxic exposure cases is the best way to evaluate the potential value of your specific claim.
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What is the current status of the Sterigenics lawsuit in Illinois?
The Sterigenics Illinois litigation, primarily centered around the Willowbrook facility, has progressed significantly since its inception.
After numerous studies from the Illinois EPA linked ethylene oxide emissions from the facility to elevated cancer rates in nearby communities, hundreds of lawsuits were filed.
Several bellwether trials have taken place in the superior court with mixed results, including some substantial plaintiff verdicts.
The facility permanently closed in 2019 following intense public pressure and regulatory scrutiny.
Cases continue to be heard in Illinois courts, with many plaintiffs reaching confidential settlements while others await their day in court.
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What are the latest Sterigenics lawsuit updates?
Recent developments in the Sterigenics litigation include ongoing settlement negotiations for numerous claims and continued court proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.
Several significant verdicts have been issued in bellwether cases, providing precedent for future claims.
Regulatory agencies continue to investigate ethylene oxide emissions at various Sterigenics facilities nationwide.
The litigation landscape evolves constantly, with new scientific evidence regarding ethylene oxide exposure regularly emerging.
Affected individuals should stay in contact with their legal representation for the most current information regarding their specific cases.
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How does the Sterigenics lawsuit in Georgia differ from other locations?
The Georgia Sterigenics litigation, primarily focused on the Cobb County facility near Atlanta, presents unique circumstances compared to other locations.
Community testing revealed concerning levels of ethylene oxide in residential areas surrounding the facility, prompting investigations by state environmental agencies and the EPA.
Unlike the Willowbrook facility which closed permanently, the Cobb County facility temporarily suspended operations but has since resumed with additional emission controls.
Georgia state regulations regarding ethylene oxide emissions differ from those in Illinois and other states, affecting the legal framework of these cases.
The Georgia litigation involves hundreds of plaintiffs alleging similar health impacts to those in other states.
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What is the Sterigenics Willowbrook cancer map and what does it show?
The Sterigenics Willowbrook cancer map is a visual representation of cancer incidence rates in communities surrounding the former Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook, Illinois.
Created using data from the Illinois Department of Public Health and independent studies, the map illustrates areas with elevated cancer rates potentially linked to ethylene oxide emissions.
These maps were instrumental in demonstrating the geographic correlation between proximity to the facility and increased cancer risk, particularly for breast cancer, lymphomas, and leukemias.
Public health officials used this mapping data to identify “cancer clusters” that supported the causal relationship between ethylene oxide exposure and community health impacts.
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Is Sterigenics still operating facilities despite the lawsuits?
While some Sterigenics facilities have closed due to litigation and regulatory pressure, the company continues to operate numerous locations throughout the United States and internationally.
The Willowbrook, Illinois facility permanently closed in 2019 following intense scrutiny and community activism.
Other locations, including the Cobb County, Georgia facility, temporarily suspended operations but have since resumed with additional emission control technologies.
Sterigenics maintains that their operations comply with all current regulatory standards for ethylene oxide emissions.
The company’s parent company, Sotera Health, continues to defend its sterilization practices while facing ongoing litigation in multiple states regarding historical emissions and alleged health impacts.
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!
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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.
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