More Illinois Cancer Victims Sue Over Ethylene Oxide (1)

Alleged health hazards from ethylene oxide emissions have led to more lawsuits in Illinois county courts.

Four individuals are bringing negligence, public nuisance, willful and wanton conduct, and “ultrahazardous activity” allegations against Medline Industries Inc. and Vantage Specialty Chemicals Inc., in complaints filed Aug. 28 in Cook County, Ill., Circuit Court.

The complaint filed by Patty Bennett of Gurnee, Ill., who was diagnosed with large granular lymphocytic leukemia in November 2016, said the companies have disregarded ethylene oxide’s harmful properties and released the gas into the air for decades, exposing area residents with no knowledge ...