Emerging Contaminants: Ethylene Oxide

Emerging Contaminants: Ethylene Oxide

Author: ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources August 15, 2025 Duration: 30:08

In the second installment of our Emerging Contaminants series, we turn our attention to ethylene oxide, a chemical critical to the sterilization of medical and protective equipment yet increasingly scrutinized for its potential carcinogenic effects due to widespread use and long industrial history.

In this episode, we're joined by Rebecca Pritchett (Maynard Nexsen), Heather Lynch (Integral Consulting), and David Fusco (K&L Gates) to examine the latest developments in ethylene oxide science, regulation, and litigation. Our guests discuss recent findings and interpretations suggesting that human health risks from ethylene oxide exposure may be lower than previously thought—a perspective that continues to generate scientific, legal, and policy debate.


Tune into Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies for a direct line to the minds shaping our world's environmental, energy, and resource policies. Produced by the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, this series features candid conversations with leading practitioners who are navigating the complex intersection of law, policy, and science. You'll hear them unpack not just the latest regulatory shifts and courtroom battles, but also the historical context that brought us here and the practical realities of building a career in this dynamic field. Each episode goes beyond dry legal analysis to explore the human stories and professional insights behind the headlines. Whether you're a seasoned attorney, a law student, or simply someone keenly interested in how environmental governance works, this podcast offers an accessible yet deeply informed perspective. The discussions are grounded in real-world experience, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of how laws are interpreted, challenged, and implemented. Remember, the views expressed belong solely to the speakers. For anyone looking to grasp the forces that dictate our relationship with the planet, this is an essential listen.
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