The resulting measurements were significantly higher than the EPA and state environmental agencys modeled emissions values for the area.
There is no safe level of ethylene oxide exposure.
The higher the concentration, the higher the risk of cancer.
Exxon Mobil Refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.Photo:WClarke
On average, the level was roughly 31 parts per trillion.
In some extreme cases, they observed area averages above 109 parts per trillion.
The findings were published in the peer-reviewed academic journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Ethylene oxide is emitted from petrochemical manufacturing and plants thatsterilize medical equipment.
Earlier this year, the EPA finalized rules for ethylene oxide emissions frombothtypesof facilities.
If the monitors record concentrations above a certain action level, companies will be required to make repairs.
Companies have two years to comply.
Im hopeful to see levels go down, but the data suggest we have a long way to go.
The levels identified by the researchers are 9 times higher than thoseestimated by the EPAs models.
For residents in the area, the studys findings confirm their lived experience.
But ultimately, without accountability and follow-through, monitoring data will do little to help her family and neighbors.
These monitors are good, but in the meantime, people are dying, she said.
This story wasoriginally publishedby Grist.
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
