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

Healthcare Ransomware Attacks Reach Record High in Q3 2026

The report documented 306 ransomware attacks against healthcare organizations in Q3.


Bon Secours Mercy Health Acquires Fauquier Health

Fauquier Health is a 97-bed acute care community hospital serving Fauquier County and the broader Warrenton region.


Novant Health Completes Acquisition of Northern Regional Hospital

Novant Health is developing plans to expand services at Novant Health Northern Regional Medical Center and throughout the community.


Hospitals as Energy Microgrids: Ensuring Power Grid Independence

Resilient hospitals could become energy microgrids that generate, store and managing electricity while remaining connected to the wider grid.


Baystate Health Integrates Baystate Mercy Hospital into System

Over the past seven months, Baystate Health has been preparing to integrate Baystate Mercy Hospital and its affiliated clinics.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.