{"id":36355,"date":"2026-03-13T15:51:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/trump-administration-seeks-to-relax-rules-on-cancer-linked-sterilization-gas\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:51:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:51:07","slug":"trump-administration-seeks-to-relax-rules-on-cancer-linked-sterilization-gas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/trump-administration-seeks-to-relax-rules-on-cancer-linked-sterilization-gas\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump Administration Seeks to Relax Rules on Cancer-Linked Sterilization Gas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773431467204.jpg?resize=450%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773431467204.jpg?w=450&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773431467204.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>WASHINGTON &#8211; Federal environmental regulators are moving to relax restrictions on a cancer-causing chemical widely used to sterilize medical equipment, citing concerns that stricter rules could disrupt the supply of critical healthcare devices.<\/p><p>The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday its intention to modify regulations governing ethylene oxide, a toxic gas essential for cleaning roughly half of all medical devices manufactured in the United States annually. The agency argues that tighter restrictions implemented during the Biden presidency in 2024 could interfere with manufacturers&#8217; sterilization processes.<\/p><p>According to the EPA, the revised approach would maintain compliance with existing federal law while reducing regulatory burdens on companies that sterilize products ranging from heart stents to wound care supplies. The changes would also protect medical device supply chains and reduce industry costs.<\/p><p>Healthcare professionals, industry representatives, and Food and Drug Administration officials had raised objections to the more restrictive 2024 regulations. Those rules mandated additional risk assessments and required companies to install new monitoring equipment, ventilation systems, and containment structures.<\/p><p>Under the new proposal, medical device manufacturers would have options when dealing with facilities that emit more than 10 tons of ethylene oxide annually. Companies could choose between implementing new monitoring technology or making alternative modifications to ventilation systems in sterilization areas.<\/p><p>The EPA defended the changes in an official statement, saying: &#8220;These changes better reflect the complexity of facilities and give them the flexibility to work to use safe and effective equipment to sterilize medical tools and devices without compromising clean air for all Americans.&#8221;<\/p><p>The agency estimates the regulatory adjustments would generate approximately $43 million in annual savings across the industry.<\/p><p>Ethylene oxide, commonly abbreviated as EtO, appears as an invisible gas that effectively sterilizes equipment but releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Medical research has established connections between prolonged exposure to the chemical and various cancers, particularly affecting individuals residing near manufacturing facilities that produce or utilize the substance.<\/p><p>The regulatory proposal will undergo public scrutiny through a hearing scheduled within approximately two weeks. Citizens and stakeholders will have 45 days to submit comments before federal officials finalize their decision.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Federal officials want to ease restrictions on ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing chemical used to clean medical equipment. The proposed changes would give companies more flexibility while potentially saving $43 million annually.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":36354,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[837],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773431467204.jpg?fit=450%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-9sn","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":36385,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/epa-proposes-relaxing-limits-on-cancer-linked-chemical-in-medical-device-cleaning\/","url_meta":{"origin":36355,"position":0},"title":"EPA Proposes Relaxing Limits on Cancer-Linked Chemical in Medical Device Cleaning","author":"Admin","date":"March 13, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans Friday to loosen air quality restrictions on ethylene oxide, a chemical linked to cancer but essential for sterilizing medical equipment. The Trump administration says current rules threaten America's medical supply chain, reversing stricter standards put in place last year.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Health","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773434316198.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773434316198.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773434316198.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773434316198.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":24559,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/new-mexico-probes-forced-sterilization-of-native-american-women-in-1970s\/","url_meta":{"origin":36355,"position":1},"title":"New Mexico Probes Forced Sterilization of Native American Women in 1970s","author":"Admin","date":"February 21, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"New Mexico lawmakers have authorized an investigation into the forced sterilization of thousands of Native American women by the Indian Health Service during the 1970s. The state probe will examine the scope and lasting impact of these procedures performed without proper consent, with findings due by 2027.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;U.S. News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"U.S. News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/us-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1771680772849.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1771680772849.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1771680772849.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1771680772849.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":32682,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/peru-ordered-to-pay-340k-for-womans-death-in-forced-sterilization-program\/","url_meta":{"origin":36355,"position":2},"title":"Peru Ordered to Pay $340K for Woman&#8217;s Death in Forced Sterilization Program","author":"Admin","date":"March 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A regional human rights court has directed Peru to compensate the family of Celia Ramos, who died in 1997 after being coerced into sterilization surgery. The 34-year-old mother of three died following complications from the procedure performed under Alberto Fujimori's administration.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;World News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772822288725.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772822288725.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772822288725.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772822288725.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63257,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/trump-epa-plans-to-ease-bidens-forever-chemical-water-rules\/","url_meta":{"origin":36355,"position":3},"title":"Trump EPA Plans to Ease Biden&#8217;s &#8216;Forever Chemical&#8217; Water Rules","author":"Admin","date":"May 7, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Trump administration's EPA will propose relaxing some drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals that were established under President Biden. While keeping strict limits on two common types of PFAS, the agency plans to eliminate restrictions on rarer forms of these 'forever chemicals.'","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Politics&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778175533327.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778175533327.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778175533327.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778175533327.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":42449,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/federal-agency-clears-way-for-more-e15-gas-sales-nationwide-starting-may-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":36355,"position":4},"title":"Federal Agency Clears Way for More E15 Gas Sales Nationwide Starting May 1","author":"Admin","date":"March 25, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver allowing E15 ethanol-blend gasoline to be sold across the United States starting May 1, 2026. The temporary measure aims to boost fuel supplies and provide cost savings for drivers during the upcoming summer travel season.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Business&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Business","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/business\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774470167550.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":65060,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/medical-device-company-steris-projects-strong-2027-earnings-above-wall-street-targets\/","url_meta":{"origin":36355,"position":5},"title":"Medical Device Company Steris Projects Strong 2027 Earnings Above Wall Street Targets","author":"Admin","date":"May 11, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Steris, a medical equipment manufacturer specializing in infection-prevention products, announced Monday that it expects fiscal 2027 earnings to exceed analyst predictions. The company cited growing demand for sterilization services and increased medical procedure volumes as key drivers for optimistic future projections.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Business&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Business","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/business\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778541822161.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778541822161.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778541822161.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778541822161.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1778541822161.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36355"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36355\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}