Pennsylvania Ethylene Oxide Exposure Attorney
The team at Ciccarelli Law Offices is investigating claims that Pennsylvania citizens living in close proximity to or working in certain industrial plants may have been exposed to ethylene oxide. Specifically, this includes residents of Bethlehem and Allentown near the B. Braun facility, though this may not be the only exposure area. Exposure to ethylene oxide can cause various cancers, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If you or a loved one need assistance from our Pennsylvania ethylene oxide exposure attorneys, we are standing by to help today.
What is Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene oxide is a flammable and colorless gas that is used to make other chemicals commonly used to produce a range of products. This includes antifreeze, plastics, detergents, textiles, adhesives, and more. Ethylene oxide is also used to sterilize plastic devices and equipment that cannot be sterilized by using steam. This includes many types of medical equipment.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency updated its risk value for ethylene oxide, and the agency is working with state, local, and tribal air agencies as well as various industries to address the hazards of this chemical.
Effects of Ethylene Oxide Exposure
When ethylene oxide is discharged into the air, it has no smell and no color. According to the EPA, this gas can remain in the air for as long as 149 days in cold weather and up to 69 days in warmer weather. This gas can seep into human body tissue through inhalation. In large enough quantities, ethylene oxide can damage cells and destroy DNA. If enough cells in the human body are harmed, this can lead to various types of diseases and cancer. Ethylene oxide exposure has been linked to the following:
- Blood disorders
- Kidney cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Testicular damage
- Kidney damage
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Uterine cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Ethylene oxide is a dangerous chemical that has been used for decades, including areas in and around Pennsylvania. This chemical has been found in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the alleged source of the ethylene oxide contamination is the B. Braun facility.
- Braun uses ethylene oxide to sterilize and fumigate medical equipment and supplies. When medical equipment is sterilized, extensive amounts of ethylene oxide are released into the air and in the surrounding communities. Any person who lives or works in Allentown or Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, should be concerned about their health and property value.
Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices
If you or somebody you care about has become ill due to ethylene oxide exposure, or if someone you love has died due to cancers caused by ethylene oxide exposure, contact the team at Ciccarelli Law Offices immediately. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers pledge to investigate every aspect of your case in order to uncover the compensation you are entitled to.
We take ethylene oxide cases seriously, and we are ready to get to work on your behalf today. You may be entitled to significant compensation for what has happened to you or your loved one. This can include coverage of medical bills, any out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred, pain and suffering damages, loss of quality of life damages, and more. You can contact our Pennsylvania ethylene oxide exposure attorney for a free consultation of your case by clicking here to calling 215-228-0100.