[News] US EPA proposes easing ethylene oxide emission standards

The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulatory changes that would roll back safeguards against air emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO), a substance classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Announced on March 17, 2026, the proposed rule would relax continuous emissions monitoring requirements at approximately 90 commercial sterilisation facilities across the United States. Ethylene oxide is used to sterilise roughly half of all medical devices in the country, and long-term exposure has been linked to elevated risks of lymphoid cancers and breast cancer. Public health advocates warn that weakening oversight could increase cancer risk for communities located near these facilities. The proposal is now subject to a public comment period before any final rule is adopted.