File #: File ID 13842    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Addendum Status: No Action
File created: 12/2/2021 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 12/7/2021 Final action: 12/7/2021
Title: Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facility Informational/Discussion/Study: Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) is applying for an air quality permit for an Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facility in Tucson. Air quality in any part of the County affects everyone in Pima County, therefore District 5 requests a presentation on the safety measures that BD will put into place in the facility. Ethylene Oxide is a highly flammable and carcinogenic gas used to sanitize medical equipment. Please detail how leakages are prevented, how workers at the facility are protected from exposure, and how ethylene oxide is stored. Who will govern and monitor storage and in-the-plant handling of Ethylene Oxide? According to an article in the Star, a BD sterilization facility in Georgia caused a cancer cluster within a 5-mile-radius of the facility, and more than 150 lawsuits were filed against BD in June 2021. What is different about the plant in Tucson than the one in Covington, Georgia? How will a similar situati...
Attachments: 1. BOS_EthyleneOxideSterilizationFacility_Dist5Submittal, 2. BOS_CAMemo_BectonDickinsonFacility_12-6-21

Title

Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facility

Informational/Discussion/Study: Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) is applying for an air quality permit for an Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facility in Tucson. Air quality in any part of the County affects everyone in Pima County, therefore District 5 requests a presentation on the safety measures that BD will put into place in the facility. Ethylene Oxide is a highly flammable and carcinogenic gas used to sanitize medical equipment. Please detail how leakages are prevented, how workers at the facility are protected from exposure, and how ethylene oxide is stored. Who will govern and monitor storage and in-the-plant handling of Ethylene Oxide? According to an article in the Star, a BD sterilization facility in Georgia caused a cancer cluster within a 5-mile-radius of the facility, and more than 150 lawsuits were filed against BD in June 2021. What is different about the plant in Tucson than the one in Covington, Georgia? How will a similar situation be avoided? Furthermore, is BD investing in researching any alternatives to Ethylene Oxide? (District 5)