MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The health department in Memphis plans to hold a community meeting to discuss a medical equipment sterilizing plant that used a chemical whose emissions could cause health risks, officials said.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that 23 commercial sterilizers in 13 states and Puerto Rico have used ethylene oxide. EPA said ethylene oxide emissions could pose an elevated risk of cancer and other ailments.
One of the facilities, Sterilization Services of Tennessee, is located in south Memphis. The Shelby County Health Department will hold a meeting Sept. 8 to discuss results of the EPA’s sampling of air around the location.
The facility has operated since 1976. The county health department’s air program has permitted the facility since 1985, officials said.
Residents can register for the public meeting on the EPA’s website.