Major leak of carcinogenic gas becomes flashpoint in national debate over emission rules

A gas called ethylene oxide is used to sterilize vital pieces of medical equipment in facilities across the country. But as we've reported for years, it's also known to cause cancer and has raised serious concerns for surrounding communities.

Now, a major leak of the gas in one state is becoming a flashpoint in a national debate over safety and what the public has a right to know.

Neighbors in Richmond, Virginia, are grappling with a toxic gas many had never heard of until Rev. Faith Harris brought it to their attention.

"There were about 70 people in the room and I asked for a show of hands of who had heard of this chemical," she recalled. "Only four people raised their hand."

Harris is working to educate her community about ethylene oxide, or EtO. You can't see it or smell it, but it can enter the air, often from facilities that sterilize important medical supplies. Long-term breathing of EtO has been linked to cancer and neurological effects.

Irena Como is a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center who represents members of the community.

But as the community learned of the risk, they also found out about a major leak from a facility nearby.

In Spring of 2026, Sterilization Services of Virginia told the state that it had emitted hundreds of pounds of EtO into the air by accident.

Residents didn't learn of it until months later when it made headlines because there's no requirement that the company notify the public.

In documents, Sterilization Services of Virginia blamed a "faulty" piece of equipment. It was fined by Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality for about $50,000.

"That amounts to a slap on the wrist for a facility this size," Como said.

But despite the danger to communities, Como told us there are no nationwide rules for reporting and handling leaks.

"Unfortunately, the federal system requires that there is a reporting of a leak of over 10 pounds of ethylene oxide, but beyond that it's unclear what the next steps are for these facilities," she said. "And there is a gap in accountability and transparency."

Back in 2018, another major EtO leak made headlines. This time, a gasket failure at a chemical plant in Delaware released ethylene oxide into the air, posing a serious fire risk and forcing the shutdown of the Delaware Memorial Bridge on a holiday weekend.

Resident Sarah Bucic remembers being told to shelter in place, and said the notifications in place were not adequate.

Bucic, a registered nurse, now works with the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, and is pushing to raise awareness about the risks surrounding EtO, including fighting an EPA proposal that would roll back protections designed to reduce emissions from commercial sterilizers like the one in Richmond, Virginia.

The EPA is now weighing public comments on that proposal.

"I think they should be listening to the communities that are bearing the burden from not having proper regulations and paying with their health, paying with their quality of life," Bucic said.

In its proposal, the EPA said the changes would "rescind the risk-based standards," arguing that the agency had exceeded its own authority when it created them. The agency is also reconsidering its methodology previously used to estimate EtO's cancer risk, citing "significant uncertainties regarding the magnitude of EtO's carcinogenic potency, particularly at low concentrations."

It's now seeking new data and studies on EtO exposure and cancer.

Bucic believes that science is settled.

Members of Congress and a coalition of Attorneys General have pushed back on the EPA's proposed rollback, citing concern about health risk.

We've repeatedly asked the EPA for an interview about ethylene oxide. It has declined. For now, the proposal remains under review. The EPA is targeting this winter for a final rule, but there's no legally required deadline.

We reached out to Sterilization Services of Virginia, and it did not respond to our questions.

You can read our questions and answers with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality below:

What actions did DEQ take after initially learning of the ethylene oxide release at Sterilization Services of Virginia?

DEQ conducted an on-site inspection of the facility on April 10 to investigate and document the ethylene oxide release. The inspector's findings led to the issuance of a notice of violation and ultimately to a consent order with Sterilization Services of Virginia - to include a civil penalty.

Does DEQ believe Sterilization Services of Virginia responded appropriately to the incident and complied with all state reporting and response requirements? Were any violations identified beyond those addressed by the approximately $50,000 penalty?

The facility provided notification of their ethylene oxide release to DEQ as required by their permit. DEQ received initial notification at approximately 11 a.m. on April 9, 2026, for an incident that occurred at 5 a.m. that morning. The initial notification was received within 4 hours of the facility discovering the malfunction. The facility submitted a required follow-up written report on April 20, 2026 – also in compliance with their permit.

There are additional reporting requirements required by the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). That act and the regulations promulgated pursuant to the act are enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We suggest that you follow up with EPA regarding EPCRA reporting and response requirements.

The $50,000 civil penalty resolved the outstanding violations as described in the consent order. There have been no additional enforcement actions since then.

Is DEQ conducting any ongoing monitoring, enforcement or review of Sterilization Services of Virginia following the incident?

DEQ is currently conducting a special ethylene oxide air monitoring initiative around the facility. DEQ is collecting and analyzing ambient air samples upwind from the facility, next to the facility, and downwind from the facility. DEQ expects results to be available early next year.

What would DEQ say to residents who are concerned that a significant release of a known carcinogen could occur near their community without them being immediately notified?

It's understandable that residents would be concerned for a release of ethylene oxide which, in addition to being a known carcinogen, is listed as an extremely hazardous substance under EPCRA. With respect to notifications, the emergency notification requirements for releases of chemicals subject to EPCRA are covered under CFR 40 Chapter I, Subchapter J, Part 355, Subpart C. EPCRA and the regulations pursuant to EPCRA are enforced by EPA, which would best be able to speak to your question.