Ethylene oxide adds to toxic burden for Memphis residents

The Memphis plant is among those highlighted by my colleagues at the Union of Concerned Scientists in a new report on ethylene oxide, Invisible Threat, Inequitable Impact. Children are particularly sensitive to ethylene oxide exposure as it can damage their DNA, which divides more rapidly for them than for adults. Typical of the skewed demographics of who lives within five miles of ethylene oxide facilities, the residents of South Memphis are disproportionately people of color (87 percent) and low income (57 percent). But, so far, South Memphis residents are not sure what to make of the EPA’s sincerity. Thirdly, the EPA under the Biden administration has sent a muddled message to South Memphis about ethylene oxide.