Environmental Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, June 21^st, 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it will be taking steps under the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to advance environmental justice, improve transparency, and increase access to environmental information. The agency’s plan includes expanding the scope of TRI reporting requirements to include additional chemicals and facilities, including facilities that are not currently reporting on ethylene oxide (EtO) releases.

Ethylene oxide is an organic compound produced in large volumes that is both flammable and highly reactive. It is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of several industrial chemicals, the most notable of which is ethylene glycol. EtO is also used as a fumigant in certain agricultural products and as a sterilant for medical equipment and supplies.

According to the EPA announcement:

EPA recognizes and shares the public’s concerns about the harmful effects of EtO on human health, including cancer and the environment. The agency is committing to broadening TRI reporting on this chemical to include certain contract sterilization facilities that use EtO that are not currently required to report this information.

“EPA’s announcement is good news as the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) states that acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Studies have shown that EtO may cause leukemia and other cancers, and exposure has also been linked to numerous serious health issues. At EMSL, we assist companies and institutions in complying with environmental regulations and occupational exposure standards for EtO and other chemicals. Our industrial hygiene and environmental testing facilities, located across the United States and Canada, provide laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, and even personal protective equipment (PPE).”

EMSL sponsored an educational video about ethylene oxide and occupational exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/_-B8MFnk-ZQ.

To learn more about EtO testing or other air quality, occupational, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.