A risk assessment of ethylene oxide release from a sterilization facility into a community

: This study presents a site-specific, data-driven framework for evaluating long-term human health risks from ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions using ambient monitoring, historical emissions, and conservative EPA-aligned assumptions. Even at one of the highest-emitting U.S. sterilization facilities, estimated exposures were well below levels associated with increased cancer risk. The findings challenge proximity-based risk assumptions and support more proportionate, risk-based air quality policies. The approach offers regulators a transparent, scientifically grounded method for EtO risk characterization under the Clean Air Act, TSCA, and state air toxics programs.