How to participate in upcoming EtO public webinars and comment on EtO proposals

Good Afternoon, 

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new health protections to reduce exposure to Ethylene Oxide (EtO).  EPA proposed tighter air emissions standards and additional protections for workers who are exposed to this chemical.  EtO is used to sterilize many medical devices and certain spices. If finalized, EPA’s proposals are estimated to cut EtO emissions to the air from commercial sterilization facilities by 80% per year and apply more protective standards to control those emissions.  

You can take part in the process and provide valuable input on these proposed regulations as we work to finalize them. In the next few weeks, EPA will have opportunities for you to hear from us at the EtO National Public Webinar, and for us to hear from you at the EtO Virtual Public Hearing for commercial sterilizers. We are interested in your feedback and encourage you to participate.   

 

EtO National Public Webinar 

EPA will hold a public webinar to discuss proposed Clean Air Act and Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act actions to reduce exposure to ethylene oxide from commercial sterilization facilities and healthcare facilities. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about EtO and EPA’s actions to reduce risk for workers and communities.  

Date: Monday, May 1, 2023, 8:00 PM Eastern Time 

Platform: The meeting will be held online via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

 

EtO Virtual Public Hearing for Proposed Clean Air Act Sterilizer Rule 

EPA will also hold virtual public hearings on May 2nd and 3rd, 2023, to provide the public the opportunity to present comments and information on the Agency’s proposal for Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers (also known as "EtO Sterilizers").  EPA is proposing to strengthen the air pollution regulation for EtO Sterilizers.  Each speaker will have 4 minutes to provide oral testimony to a panel of EPA staff. Attendees may also listen to the hearing.  

To pre-register to speak or listen, please visit the online registration page (https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7303215/EPA-Public-Hearing-Ethylene-Oxide-Sterilizers).  

Registration closes April 24, 2023. 

 

How to Comment in Writing on EPA’s EtO Proposals 

EPA considers all comments equally, whether given orally at a public hearing or submitted in writing to the docket. You may comment directly on the proposed Clean Air Act rule (which must be identified by Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0178) and the Proposed Interim Decision and EPA’s Draft Risk Assessment Addendum (which must be identified by Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244) through one of the following methods. Both dockets will be open for public comment until June 12, 2023: 

For Clean Air Act Proposal on Commercial Sterilizers: 

  • E-mail: Send comments by email to a-and-r-docket@epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0178. Please include the docket number in the subject line of your email message. 

  • Fax: You may fax your comments to: (202) 566-9744, Attention Docket ID. No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0178. 

  • Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mail Code 28221T, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0178, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460. 

  • Hand delivery/courier delivery: EPA Docket Center, Room 3334, EPA WJC West Building, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0178. Please note that hand/courier deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. 

  • Online: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for submitting your comments. 

 

For Proposed Interim Decision and EPA’s Draft Risk Assessment Addendum: 

  • E-mail: Send comments by email to a-and-r-docket@epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244. Please include the docket number in the subject line of your email message. 

  • Fax: You may fax your comments to: (202) 566-9744, Attention Docket ID. No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244  

  • Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mail Code 28221T, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460. 

  • Hand delivery/courier delivery: EPA Docket Center, Room 3334, EPA WJC West Building, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244. Please note that hand/courier deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. 

  • Online: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for submitting your comments.