State Court Activity
275+ pending in Cook County, IL; class action proceeding in D.P.R.; Pennsylvania class denied Jan. 2026; Georgia cases ongoing
Environmental · claims that ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from commercial medical sterilizers and chemical plants caused cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer) in nearby residents and workers
Defendant
Sterigenics U.S., LLC
MDL / Track
See litigation status
Judge
Plaintiffs
275 pending in Cook County against Steris Isomedix
Bellwether / Trial
Settlement Status
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Case overview
Over 1,500 plaintiffs have filed state-court mass torts against commercial sterilizers including Sterigenics, B. Braun, and Steris, alleging cancers from chronic ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions. The litigation crested after a $363 million Cook County jury verdict in Kamuda v. Sterigenics (Sept. 19, 2022), followed by a $408 million Willowbrook settlement covering ~900 plaintiffs. New waves continue in Georgia (Smyrna, Covington), Pennsylvania (Allentown), Colorado (Lakewood), New Mexico (Santa Teresa), and California (Vernon/Maywood), with Steris now facing ~275 suits in Illinois state court over its former Waukegan Isomedix facility, per November 2024 SEC disclosures.
Causation Theory
EPA classified EtO as a known human carcinogen in 2016, with the agency's 2018 risk modeling showing cancer dangers 4.8 times above acceptable levels near the Willowbrook Sterigenics facility and risks of 500–1,000 excess cancers per million at peak exposure. OSHA's permissible exposure limit of 1 ppm (unchanged since 1984) is now 10 times higher than EPA's proposed 0.1 ppm workplace standard. Epidemiological meta-analyses of ~29,800 workers show suggestive dose-response relationships between cumulative EtO exposure and leukemia (p=0.05), with elevated standardized mortality ratios for stomach cancer (SMR 1.28, 95% CI 0.98–1.65).
Litigation status
EtO litigation remains active across multiple jurisdictions with no federal MDL consolidation. In Illinois, Cook County Circuit Court hosts nearly 275 pending cases against Steris Isomedix, with Knobbe v. Isomedix set for retrial after a January 2025 mistrial; Judge Frank Andreou presiding. In Puerto Rico, U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico denied dismissal of negligence and nuisance claims in Jeanette Pérez-Maceira et al. v. Customed Inc. et al., No. 3:23-cv-01445 (D.P.R.), allowing discovery to proceed for a putative class. Pennsylvania state court rejected class certification for B. Braun Allentown facility residents in January 2026.
State Court Activity
275+ pending in Cook County, IL; class action proceeding in D.P.R.; Pennsylvania class denied Jan. 2026; Georgia cases ongoing
Geographic exposure
EPA identifies 23 of ~100 commercial sterilization/fumigation facilities nationwide emitting EtO at levels posing neighborhood cancer risk. Over 1,500 individual plaintiffs filed against sterilization providers through 2025. Active intake opportunities concentrated in California (Vernon/Maywood) and New Jersey (Franklin, Linden) where litigation nascent and SOL windows open; New Mexico state action remains pending.
Sterigenics facility — ~25 lawsuits filed Q2 2024, ongoing pending. Newly scrutinized site with active intake window.
Cosmed Group facility — first wave of plaintiffs filed 2023, facility sought bankruptcy protection. Active pending litigation.
ETO Sterilization-Plant #2 (2500 Brunswick Avenue) — EPA confirmed elevated lifetime cancer risk of 100-in-1 million or greater for surrounding community; maximum risk level 20-in-1 million in dark blue zone. Facility emits EtO for spice/nut sterilization since 1986. March 2024 NESHAP amendments apply.
Sterigenics U.S. facility — State AG Hector Balderas litigation filed Dec. 22, 2020, ongoing pending. State enforcement action for community exposure.
Sterigenics Cobb County facility — 79-plaintiff group settled $35 million (2023); property devaluation suits filed 2023 affecting 5,000+ homes per Cobb County Property Assessor. Mixed results: defense verdicts in Fornek v. Sterigenics, Glass v. B. Braun.
Medline/Steris facility — settled March 1, 2025. Mass tort resolution completed.
Sterigenics facility (now-closed) — nearly 900 lawsuits, $408 million settlement (2023); Kamuda v. Sterigenics $363 million verdict (Cook County). Litigation wave concluded; facility closure limits new claims.
B. Braun Medical facility — multiple PA residents litigation settled Feb. 18, 2025. Wave largely resolved.
Key defendants
Sterigenics U.S., LLC
Role: Sterilization Facility Operator
Core defendant in Willowbrook litigation. Paid $408M settlement (Jan. 2023) resolving 870+ claims following $363M Kamuda verdict. Facility shuttered 2019; consent decree allowed reopening under stricter controls but litigation exposure remains in other jurisdictions including New Mexico AG action.
Sotera Health Co.
Role: Parent Company
Sterigenics parent. Jointly liable in Willowbrook settlement. Denied facility posed safety risk while settling to avoid protracted litigation. Exposure extends to consolidated state court mass torts in Illinois and pending New Mexico AG action.
B. Braun Medical Inc.
Role: Medical Device Manufacturer
Allentown, Pennsylvania facility litigation. Mixed verdict posture: settled multiple PA resident claims (Feb. 2025) but secured defense verdict in Glass et al. (Dec. 2024). Continued exposure at operational sterilization sites.
Harcros Chemicals Inc.
Role: Chemical Manufacturer
Kansas City, Kansas facility operator. Facing active class action (Jeffries et al., D. Kan. Oct. 2025) alleging multi-decade emissions of EtO and other carcinogens. Successor liability theories target corporate predecessors including Elementis entities.
Medline Industries, Inc.
Role: Medical Supply Distributor
Lake County/Waukegan, Illinois facility co-defendant with Steris Isomedix. Settled resident claims (Mar. 2025). Previously survived 12(b)(6) challenge in Leslie v. Steris Isomedix (N.D. Ill.) but faced revived claims post-Berry.
Becton, Dickinson and Co.
Role: Medical Device Manufacturer
Covington, Georgia facility litigation. Settled resident claims (Oct. 2025). EPA identified BD Nebraska and Utah facilities as potential heightened cancer risk sites; litigation exposure expanding to additional geographic markets.
| Defendant | Role | Intelligence Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sterigenics U.S., LLC | Sterilization Facility Operator | Core defendant in Willowbrook litigation. Paid $408M settlement (Jan. 2023) resolving 870+ claims following $363M Kamuda verdict. Facility shuttered 2019; consent decree allowed reopening under stricter controls but litigation exposure remains in other jurisdictions including New Mexico AG action. |
| Sotera Health Co. | Parent Company | Sterigenics parent. Jointly liable in Willowbrook settlement. Denied facility posed safety risk while settling to avoid protracted litigation. Exposure extends to consolidated state court mass torts in Illinois and pending New Mexico AG action. |
| B. Braun Medical Inc. | Medical Device Manufacturer | Allentown, Pennsylvania facility litigation. Mixed verdict posture: settled multiple PA resident claims (Feb. 2025) but secured defense verdict in Glass et al. (Dec. 2024). Continued exposure at operational sterilization sites. |
| Harcros Chemicals Inc. | Chemical Manufacturer | Kansas City, Kansas facility operator. Facing active class action (Jeffries et al., D. Kan. Oct. 2025) alleging multi-decade emissions of EtO and other carcinogens. Successor liability theories target corporate predecessors including Elementis entities. |
| Medline Industries, Inc. | Medical Supply Distributor | Lake County/Waukegan, Illinois facility co-defendant with Steris Isomedix. Settled resident claims (Mar. 2025). Previously survived 12(b)(6) challenge in Leslie v. Steris Isomedix (N.D. Ill.) but faced revived claims post-Berry. |
| Becton, Dickinson and Co. | Medical Device Manufacturer | Covington, Georgia facility litigation. Settled resident claims (Oct. 2025). EPA identified BD Nebraska and Utah facilities as potential heightened cancer risk sites; litigation exposure expanding to additional geographic markets. |
Timeline
EPA Classifies EtO as Carcinogen
EPA publishes final evaluation of ethylene oxide to IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System), concluding EtO is carcinogenic and linked to unacceptably high cancer risk for chronic exposure.
Sterigenics Willowbrook Litigation Begins
Susan Kamuda v. Sterigenics U.S., LLC; Sotera Health filed, first major individual plaintiff case alleging EtO emissions from Willowbrook facility caused cancer. Case becomes bellwether for national litigation.
Illinois EPA Shuts Down Willowbrook Facility
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issues seal order effectively closing Sterigenics Willowbrook facility. People v. Sterigenics U.S., LLC, No. 2018CH001329 (DuPage County, IL). Facility never reopens; Sterigenics announces permanent closure September 2019.
West Virginia Class Actions Filed
Letart v. Union Carbide Corp., Case No. 2:19-cv-00877 (S.D.W.Va.) and Sommerville v. Union Carbide Corp., Case No. 2:19-cv-00878 (S.D.W.Va.) filed, alleging decades of EtO emissions from Institute and South Charleston facilities. Marks expansion of litigation beyond sterilizers to chemical manufacturers.
$363M Verdict in Kamuda Trial
Cook County jury returns $363 million verdict for plaintiff Susan Kamuda against Sterigenics in first individual EtO trial. Verdict includes $325 million in punitive damages; sets benchmark for settlement negotiations nationwide.
$408M Willowbrook Settlement
Sterigenics and parent Sotera Health reach $408 million agreement to settle 800+ consolidated Willowbrook claims. Georgia plaintiffs separately settle 79 cases for $35 million.
EPA Finalizes 90% Emissions Reduction Rule
EPA announces final amendments to Clean Air Act NESHAP standards requiring 90% reduction in EtO emissions from commercial sterilization facilities. Compliance timelines range from two to three years based on facility usage levels; affects 88 facilities operated by approximately 50 companies.
Cosmed Bankruptcy; Steris Disclosures
Cosmed Group files for bankruptcy citing EtO litigation exposure. Steris discloses hundreds of pending EtO lawsuits. Defense verdicts begin emerging in 2024-2025 trials, shifting litigation dynamics as facility closures and settlements deplete plaintiff inventory at major sites.
Statute of limitations
No federal MDL established as of March 2026; cases proceed in state court mass torts. EPA interim registration review decision issued January 14, 2025 (90 FR 3208). April 5, 2024 NESHAP rule tightened emissions standards. Screen for last exposure date and diagnosis date to determine accrual. Federal preemption defenses raised but largely rejected in state court rulings to date.
Illinois
2 years from discovery of injury
Rule: 735 ILCS 5/13-202; discovery rule applies for latent disease claims per Kamuda v. Sterigenics U.S., LLC, Cook County Cir. Ct. (2022)
Discovery: Accrues when plaintiff knows or reasonably should know of injury and its causal connection to EtO exposure
Willowbrook/Sterigenics mass tort settled $408M June 2023; new filings focused on Medline (Waukegan) and other active facilities. No revival statute pending.
Georgia
2 years from injury discovery
Rule: O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33; discovery rule for toxic exposure claims per Smyrna/Covington Sterigenics litigation
Discovery: Accrues upon diagnosis or when causal link to EtO emissions reasonably discoverable
Smyrna facility closed; Covington (BD) remains operational. Defense verdicts in 2024-2025 noted in industry reporting; SOL still running for newly diagnosed.
Pennsylvania
2 years from discovery
Rule: 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5524(2); discovery rule applies for occupational/environmental disease
Discovery: Accrues when plaintiff knows of injury and its cause
January 2026: Pa. state court declined class certification in EtO litigation per TruLaw update. Individual filings continue. Allentown area facilities active.
Colorado
2 years from discovery of injury
Rule: C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(a); discovery rule for toxic torts per Lakewood Sterigenics facility litigation
Discovery: Accrues upon reasonable discovery of injury and causal connection
December 2025: Colorado air regulators advancing April 2026 rulemaking for first state EtO emissions limits. Lakewood facility closed 2019; latency period supports ongoing filings.
California
2 years from discovery
Rule: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1; discovery rule per Jolly v. Eli Lilly & Co., 751 P.2d 923 (1988)
Discovery: Accrues upon discovery of injury and its cause
Q2 2024: ~15 California residents filed v. Sterigenics U.S. per industry timeline. Facilities in Carson, Santa Teresa region. No revival window open.
⚠New Jersey
2 years from discovery
Rule: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2; discovery rule for toxic torts per Lavelle v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., 824 A.2d 797 (2003)
Discovery: Accrues upon reasonable discovery of injury and its causal connection to EtO exposure
2024: Franklin facility became new litigation target with ~25 lawsuits filed. Emerging intake opportunity with recent diagnosis latency.
| State | SOL | Rule | Discovery Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 2 years from discovery of injury | 735 ILCS 5/13-202; discovery rule applies for latent disease claims per Kamuda v. Sterigenics U.S., LLC, Cook County Cir. Ct. (2022) | Accrues when plaintiff knows or reasonably should know of injury and its causal connection to EtO exposure | Willowbrook/Sterigenics mass tort settled $408M June 2023; new filings focused on Medline (Waukegan) and other active facilities. No revival statute pending. |
| Georgia | 2 years from injury discovery | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33; discovery rule for toxic exposure claims per Smyrna/Covington Sterigenics litigation | Accrues upon diagnosis or when causal link to EtO emissions reasonably discoverable | Smyrna facility closed; Covington (BD) remains operational. Defense verdicts in 2024-2025 noted in industry reporting; SOL still running for newly diagnosed. |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years from discovery | 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5524(2); discovery rule applies for occupational/environmental disease | Accrues when plaintiff knows of injury and its cause | January 2026: Pa. state court declined class certification in EtO litigation per TruLaw update. Individual filings continue. Allentown area facilities active. |
| Colorado | 2 years from discovery of injury | C.R.S. § 13-80-104(1)(a); discovery rule for toxic torts per Lakewood Sterigenics facility litigation | Accrues upon reasonable discovery of injury and causal connection | December 2025: Colorado air regulators advancing April 2026 rulemaking for first state EtO emissions limits. Lakewood facility closed 2019; latency period supports ongoing filings. |
| California | 2 years from discovery | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1; discovery rule per Jolly v. Eli Lilly & Co., 751 P.2d 923 (1988) | Accrues upon discovery of injury and its cause | Q2 2024: ~15 California residents filed v. Sterigenics U.S. per industry timeline. Facilities in Carson, Santa Teresa region. No revival window open. |
| ⚠New Jersey | 2 years from discovery | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2; discovery rule for toxic torts per Lavelle v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., 824 A.2d 797 (2003) | Accrues upon reasonable discovery of injury and its causal connection to EtO exposure | 2024: Franklin facility became new litigation target with ~25 lawsuits filed. Emerging intake opportunity with recent diagnosis latency. |
Live intelligence
AI litigation brief
EtO Sterilization remains active litigation category with 65 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
EtO litigation remains active across multiple jurisdictions with no federal MDL consolidation. In Illinois, Cook County Circuit Court hosts nearly 275 pending cases against Steris Isomedix, with Knobbe v. Isomedix set for retrial after a January 2025 mistrial; Judge Frank Andreou presiding. In Puerto Rico, U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico denied dismissal of negligence and nuisance claims in Jeanette Pérez-Maceira et al. v. Customed Inc. et al., No. 3:23-cv-01445 (D.P.R.), allowing discovery to proceed for a putative class. Pennsylvania state court rejected class certification for B. Braun Allentown facility residents in January 2026.
Key developments
Trajectory
Press and regulatory signals are moving in tandem for EtO Sterilization. The next escalation check is whether these agency actions prompt new PACER filings or MDL scheduling orders.
Editorial intelligence
Editorial coverage should stay tied to source-backed developments and avoid placeholder status copy for EtO Sterilization.
Generated Apr 28, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
65 events detected
Google News (26)
Scientists urge EPA not to weaken ethylene oxide emissions standards - MedTech Dive
Erie sterilization facility has new owner and lower EtO emissions - goerie.com
Erie sterilization facility has new owner and lower EtO emissions - Erie Times-News
Henrico residents raise awareness of toxic chemical used in two local plants - VPM
B. Braun resolves majority of lawsuits alleging that cancer-causing emissions were released from Hanover Twp. facility - WFMZ.com
EPA seeks weaker ethylene oxide emission standards - Chemical & Engineering News
Pollution Exclusion/Permitted Emissions: Federal Appellate Court Addresses Coverage Question Related to Ethylene Oxide - JD Supra
Facing multiple lawsuits, Georgia medical sterilization facility to shutter - AJC.com
Facing multiple lawsuits, Georgia medical sterilization facility to shutter - AJC.com
EPA Seeking to Curb Restrictions on Cancer-Linked Ethylene Oxide - The Well News
EPA Seeking to Curb Restrictions on Cancer-Linked Ethylene Oxide - The Well News
EPA proposes weakening ethylene oxide emission regulations - medtechdive.com
EPA proposes weakening ethylene oxide emission regulations - MedTech Dive
E.P.A. Moves to Weaken Limits on a Cancer-Causing Gas - The New York Times
Trump Administration Rolls Back Safeguards Limiting Release of Cancer-Causing Air Pollutant Ethylene Oxide - YubaNet
EPA Aims To Lift Biden-Era Ethylene Oxide Limits - Law360
EPA Aims To Lift Biden-Era Ethylene Oxide Limits - Law360
Federal EPA moves to roll back recent limits on ethylene oxide, a carcinogen - Los Angeles Times
EPA proposes weaker pollution limits for chemical used to sterilize medical devices - PBS
Trump EPA Risks Health of Millions With Giveaway to Corporate Polluters That Use Cancer-Causing Gas - Common Dreams
EPA proposes weaker pollution limits for chemical used to sterilize medical devices - PBS
Federal EPA moves to roll back recent limits on ethylene oxide, a carcinogen - latimes.com
Resident files class action lawsuit against B. Braun over cancer-causing chemical emissions - WFMZ.com
Ethylene Oxide Gas Exposure Case Settles Shortly Before Closings: Watch Trial via CVN - CVN News
Ethylene Oxide Gas Exposure Case Settles Shortly Before Closings: Watch Trial via CVN - CVN News
Lawsuit challenges ethylene oxide exemptions for device sterilizers - MedTech Dive
Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences • Liaquat Raza M • PMID 41879397 • Journal Article.
Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery • Rüdiger HA • PMID 41995754 • Journal Article.
Cancer causes & control : CCC • Fuemmeler BF • PMID 41981156 • Journal Article.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995) • Paustenbach D • PMID 41980174 • Journal Article.
Journal of materials chemistry. B • Xu FJ • PMID 41979414 • Journal Article.
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT ARC Specialty Products, Balchem Corporation (d/b/a/ ARC Specialty Products) Petitioner, v. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, Respondent. Case No. __________________ PETITION FOR REVIEW Pursuant to Rule 15 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and 7 U.S.C. § 136n, ARC Specialty Products, Balchem Corporation (d/b/a/ ARC S
EPA regulatory on Mar 25 for EtO Sterilization. Regulatory developments can change intake posture and motion practice quickly.
EPA FOIA Log Received between 01/01/2025 and 03/31/2025 Request ID Requester Name Organization Request Description Received Date 2025-EPA-02431 Huhmann, Penelope Dominion Due Diligence I am working on a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the Proposed Futurity Tower located in Billings, MT and have identified the following state-regulated facilities as a potential Recognized Environmental Con
EPA regulatory on Mar 25 for EtO Sterilization. Regulatory developments can change intake posture and motion practice quickly.
Ethylene Oxide (EtO) | US EPA # Ethylene Oxide (EtO) ## EPA Releases Proposal for Commercial Sterilizers to Safeguard the Supply of Life-Saving Medical Tools EPA has proposed amendments to the Biden-era 2024 National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Commercial Sterilization Facilities to ensure consistency with the law and gold standard science. Le
EPA regulatory on Mar 18 for EtO Sterilization. Regulatory developments can change intake posture and motion practice quickly.
EPA Releases Proposal for Commercial Sterilizers to Safeguard the Supply of Life-Saving Medical Tools | US EPA # EPA Releases Proposal for Commercial Sterilizers to Safeguard the Supply of Life-Saving Medical Tools March 13, 2026 Contact Information EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov) WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments to the Biden-era 2024 National Emissions
EPA News Release regulatory on Mar 13 for EtO Sterilization. Regulatory developments can change intake posture and motion practice quickly.
Proposed Reconsideration for 2024 Commercial Sterilizer Rule | US EPA # Proposed Reconsideration for 2024 Commercial Sterilizer Rule In response to legal, scientific and policy concerns, including the critical medical supply chain issue the U.S. faces due to the 2024 NESHAP rule, EPA is proposing the repeal of the burdensome Biden-era 2024 final rule for National Emission Standards for Hazardous A
EPA regulatory on Mar 12 for EtO Sterilization. Regulatory developments can change intake posture and motion practice quickly.
No recent court filing signals. Monitoring is active — this section updates automatically.
No recent legislative signals. Monitoring is active — this section updates automatically.
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Last: Apr 28, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
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Event feed
65
events detected
AI Brief
EtO Sterilization remains active litigation category with 65 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
EtO litigation remains active across multiple jurisdictions with no federal MDL consolidation. In Illinois, Cook County Circuit Court hosts nearly 275 pending cases against Steris Isomedix, with Knobbe v. Isomedix set for retrial after a January 2025 mistrial; Judge Frank Andreou presiding. In Puerto Rico, U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico denied dismissal of negligence and nuisance claims in Jeanette Pérez-Maceira et al. v. Customed Inc. et al., No. 3:23-cv-01445 (D.P.R.), allowing discovery to proceed for a putative class. Pennsylvania state court rejected class certification for B. Braun Allentown facility residents in January 2026.
Key developments
MedTech Dive news on Apr 3: Scientists urge EPA not to weaken ethylene oxide emissions standards - MedTech Dive. ‖ EPA regulatory on Mar 25: ARC Specialty Pr. ‖ PubMed research on May 1: Pharmacokinetic evaluation of etoricoxib 120mg tablets in healthy human Pakistani volunteers: In-vivo in-silico bridging for bioequivalence..
Generated Apr 28, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC