wM UpA	American Contract Systems

hI	Fort Myers, FL

Comment Period Now Open for
Proposed Ethylene Oxide Protection Measures

Virtual Public Meetings

Wednesday, June 14, 2023



June 2023 Fact Sheet

Introduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reaching out
to residents surrounding commercial sterilizers that
release high levels of the chemical - ethylene oxide (EtO)
into the air, including the American Contract Systems (Fort
Myers facility) located at 11600 Adelmo Ln, Fort Myers, FL
33966.

EtO is a colorless, odorless gas that is primarily used for
sterilization purposes. The EPA has regulated EtO
emissions for 30 years, however in 2016, new scientific
information revealed that EtO is more toxic than previously
understood. This prompted the EPA to conduct nationwide
analyses and intensive data collection, which have
revealed that certain communities near commercial
sterilizers could have elevated cancer risks due to lifetime
exposures to EtO.

Inhalation of EtO at elevated levels over a lifetime can
increase a person's risk of getting cancer. However, single-
day exposures to the concentrations found in residential
communities normally do not pose an immediate threat to
an individual's health. If you have health-related concerns,
please contact your personal physician or local health department.

The EPA has determined that Fort Myers neighborhoods in the vicinity of American Contract Systems may have
an elevated lifetime cancer risk. The risk gradually increases as you get closer to the American Contract Systems
facility (see Figure 1 on page 2).

The EPA is sharing this information because communities have a right to know about emissions that could affect
their health and well-being. The EPA will host virtual community meetings on June 14, 2023, to provide residents
and workers an opportunity to learn more about EtO and how to submit comments on the recently proposed rule
and decision. The community can participate via Zoom. Please follow the instructions in the blue box above to
register for the meeting. A recording of the meeting will be available at www.epa.gov/fl/fort-myers-fl-american-
contract-systems-fort-myers-facility.

10:00 a.m. - noon
Call-in No: (646) 828-7666
Webinar ID: 160 568 2894
Register for the virtual meeting here:
httDs://bit.lv/3IXOPol

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Call-in No: (646) 828-7666
Webinar ID: 161 042 4760
Register for the virtual meeting here:
httDs://bit.lv/3IXe35S


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The EPA's Proposed Ethylene Oxide Protection Measures

In April 2023, EPA issued proposals that are expected to reduce risks in communities and for workers. The EPA
has proposed new set of protection measures to limit EtO emissions from commercial sterilizers and is seeking
input from the public. In the interim, the Agency is working with American Contract Systems and other
commercial sterilizers across the country to find ways they can voluntarily implement early emission controls to
reduce risk

1.	Reducing EtO Emissions from Commercial
Sterilizers: The EPA proposed to strengthen

emission standards for the 86 commercial sterilizers that
are currently operating across the country as well as for
new sterilizers. These requirements, if finalized, will reduce
the amount of EtO emitted from commercial sterilizers by
SO percent and will reduce risk in nearby communities to
levels below the CAA benchmark for elevated risk. The
comment period for the commercial sterilizer proposed
rule closes on June 27, 2023. During that time, you can
provide comments to the Agency about any aspect of the
proposed regulations. To learn more about the proposed
rules and how to comment, please visit www.epa.gov/eto.

2.	Reducing Risk to Workers in the Sterilization
Industry: The EPA proposed a broad set of new protections
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA) that will reduce risk for all workers who use EtO
to sterilize things and for others who work, live, or go to
school near sterilization facilities. The comment period for
the FIFRA proposed protections closes on June 27, 2023.
During that time, you can provide comments to the Agency
about any aspect of the proposed protections. To learn
more about the proposed decision and how to comment,
please visit www.epa.gov/eto.

Figure 1 - EtO Gradient Map in Fort Meyers, FL

Lifetime Residential Cancer Risks - EtO Sterilization
Fort Myers Facility, Fort Myers, FL

I I EtO Sterilizer Facility
I I Non-Residential Area

Lifetime Residential Cancer Risk
(iri a million)

1000 2000 3000 ft

Please visit www.epa.gov/eto for additional information, including a link to view EPA's May 1, 2023, National
Public Webinar, information about individual commercial sterilizers, and health risks for residents and workers.

Esta informacion se puede encontrar en espanol en www.epa.gov/fi/fort-mvers-fl-american-contract-svsterns-fort-rnvers-
facilitv. if you need interpretation services, please request them when you register for the meeting.

Contact Information:

If you or someone you know would like to be added to EPA's distribution list to receive future
updates, please contact Region4EtO(S>epa,gov or 1-800-241-1754.

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