EPA Proposes Repealing Biden-Era Ethylene Oxide Emission Rule for Medical Sterilization
⢠On March 13, 2026, the EPA proposed repealing a 2024 Biden administration rule limiting ethylene oxide emissions from commercial sterilizer facilities, which sterilize about half of U.S. medical devices like heart valves and pacemakers. ⢠The rule aimed to reduce cancer risks to nearby communities but is criticized for threatening domestic supply chains and relying on flawed risk models, per the Trump administration. ⢠Ethylene oxide debate pits public health protections against medical supply reliability, with evidence suggesting alternative risk assessments like Texas models better match human data.
acsh.org