EPA Extends Compliance Dates in Updates to Sterilizer Rule (1)

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized its updated hazardous air pollutant rules for commercial sterilization plants that emit the carcinogenic agent ethylene oxide, with longer compliance deadlines for companies.

The agency proposed the updates in April 2023, floating amendments that would require 86 facilities to comply with tighter rules and implement better control mechanisms for the chemical, which is used in a variety of chemical manufacturing and sterilization processes.

The finalized updates include nearly 90 commercial sterilization facilities run by 50 companies, with a projected 90% reduction in ethylene oxide, according to the EPA.

Facilities will also need to comply ...