September 4, 2019 – In July, WebMD and Georgia Health News published an article detailing that three census tracts within the state were at higher risk of cancer on account of toxic emissions from two nearby medical sterilization plants. The higher risks from the gas – ethylene oxide – were detailed in a 2018 report published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA didn’t inform the general public of its findings on the time, sparking public outrage and demanding interest from government officials.
Original story:
Residents are unaware of the carcinogenic poison within the air
WebMD and Georgia Health News proceed to report developments on this ongoing story. Articles are listed in chronological order, with probably the most recent appearing first.
Plan to scale back ethylene oxide emissions described as ‘weak’
FDA: Factory closures may lead to equipment shortages
With a last-minute deal, BD avoids a protracted plant closure
Georgia sues company to shut down sterilization facility
City: Factory to be closed until toxic air is eliminated
Georgia power plant reports 8-day ethylene oxide emissions
County delays reopening of Sterigenics in Georgia
Cancer risk results in demands for alternative of ethylene oxide
First results of air tests in Georgia raise questions
Atlanta sterilization plant closes as residents plan air tests
Georgia investigates toxic gas leak at Smyrna power plant
Government legal motion creates conflicting messages on air pollution
Georgia residents demand state law against air pollution
Local air tests for toxic gases are getting closer to reality
State approves recent plan to scale back pollution on the plant
Covington residents demand testing for toxic pollutants
Georgia governor investigates toxic air in factories
City in Georgia desires to test air for toxic gases
Veterans of the fight against toxic air vow to assist others
Residents and politicians are “shocked” by the report on toxic air