Assessing community health risks related to ethylene oxide emissions and new EPA risk criteria

Abstract

Presented by: Dyron Hamlin – Principal at GHD, dyron.hamlin@ghd.com

Co-authors: Benjamin Chandler

Abstract: A 2016 study by the US EPA Integrated Risk Information System indicated an increased carcinogenic potential for community exposures to airborne Ethylene oxide (EtO). The resulting changes to the EtO risk criteria by the US EPA have increased public scrutiny and pressure for EtO users to reduce emissions and ensure healthy conditions within neighboring communities. This presentation will focus on strategies for measuring ambient levels of EtO in outside air for the purpose of assessing potential human health risks. Integrated air sampling methodologies will be discussed along with predictive air dispersion modeling capabilities and emission control solutions. A brief history of the EPA rule changes, and a summary of the ongoing debate around EtO toxicity, will also be presented to illustrate the current regulatory compliance climate.

Biography: Dyron Hamlin is a recognized subject matter expert on the evaluation and control of human exposure to chemicals. He is a Registered Professional Chemical Engineer and Certified Industrial Hygienist. Dyron manages the GHD FIRST emergency response and industrial hygiene practices at GHD.

Benjamin Chandler is a board certified industrial hygienist and certified safety professional with over 20 years of experience in the health, safety and environment (HSE) / risk management, and emergency response fields.