Cancer cluster may be linked to medical equipment sterilization facility

The facility uses cancer-causing ethylene oxide in the sterilization process


Residents of Covington, Ga., are asking federal investigators to look at how much cancer there is around a medical equipment sterilization facility plant, according to an article on the 11 Alive website.

The facility uses cancer-causing ethylene oxide in the sterilization process. 

If the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry agree to investigate, the probe would focus on "cancer clusters" in neighborhoods surrounding the Covington plant.

Residents here noted the clusters for years, but only this summer did they come to suspect a connection to the ethylene oxide used at the plant. 

Read the article.



November 20, 2019


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Hospitals Are Energy Super-Users. Why Is It So Hard to Modernize Them?

Managers face the ongoing challenge of finding a practical way to fund improvements while competing with capital priorities.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bangor Officially Opens

Encompass Health Bangor is the company’s first wholly owned hospital in Maine.


Early Entry: Manager's Critical Role in Construction Planning

Facilities managers should seek a seat at the table early to shape decisions that affect operations and continuity of care from the onset.


The Evolution of Lighting in Patient Care

Lighting is a significant investment that healthcare facility managers can make to aid in healing.


HealthPartners and Essentia Health to Combine Organizations

The organizations anticipate the combination will be effective Jan. 1, 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.