Vernon, CA—Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn released the following statement after learning that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has issued an order of abatement against Sterigenics, a medical equipment sterilization facility in Vernon which is emitting elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen:
“Finally, we have some action from the SCAQMD on the ongoing health threat posed by the Sterigenics plant in Vernon,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This is a step in the right direction, but I know the abatement process can be long so shutting down this facility until they can lower their emissions and come into compliance would be safer for the workers and residents alike.”
Hahn has previously called for the SCAQMD to temporarily shut down the facility until they can lower their ethylene oxide emissions and no longer pose a threat to the health of their workers and workers at nearby facilities.