Allentown, PA (B Braun Med Inc.)

B Braun Med, Inc. is located at 901 Marcon Blvd., Allentown, PA. The facility uses ethylene oxide (EtO) to sterilize medical equipment and materials.

NOTE: On March 14, 2024, EPA announced final amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilizers. This rule is one of the most important measures EPA is taking to reduce emissions of ethylene oxide and will significantly reduce lifetime cancer risks for people living near commercial sterilization facilities. It will reduce EtO emissions from commercial sterilization facilities to the outdoor air by 90 percent and, once implemented, will reduce the lifetime cancer risk for people living near all commercial sterilization facilities to levels below the Clean Air Act threshold for elevated risk. No individual will be exposed to EtO at levels that correspond to a lifetime cancer risk of greater than 100-in-1 million, and the number of people with a potential risk of greater than or equal to 1-in-1 million will be reduced by approximately 92 percent.

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What EPA is Doing to Address Ethylene Oxide

Now: EPA finalized regulations for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilizers that will significantly lower risk in the community. EPA is working with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reduce emissions at B Braun Med, Inc. EPA has provided technical support to our air agency partners as part of this work. As part of our strategy to address EtO emissions from commercial sterilization facilities nationally, the Agency is reviewing controls on regulated equipment and processes that emit EtO to determine whether additional air pollution controls are needed. This review includes examining new developments in practices, processes and control technologies; considering cost and feasibility; as well as addressing any previously unregulated emission points. In addition, EPA awarded $499,870 to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) in partnership with Lehigh University, and the Promise Neighborhoods Lehigh Valley community group through the American Rescue Plan Competitive Grant to fund the community monitoring, identify community health concerns related to EtO from B Braun commercial sterilizer and other volatile organic compounds, and work with the local community to sustain ongoing engagement that diminish health risk from air pollution in Allentown, PA.

Watch the Public Meeting

A community meeting took place on December 1, 2022.

Please use this link or below to view:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghePxWJm1Fk

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Allentown, PA (B Braun Med Inc.)

What EPA is Doing to Address Ethylene Oxide

Watch the Public Meeting

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Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide