Byron Donalds visits Fort Myers plant that released carcinogens for 12 years: What we know
'A level of comfort' Byron Donalds sees new pollution controls in Fort ... News-Press
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Naples Congressman Tours Fort Myers Plant Implementing Anti-Pollution Measures
Naples Congressman Byron Donalds recently visited a central Fort Myers plant that had been releasing carcinogenic ethylene oxide into the air for 12 years. The facility, operated by American Contract Systems (ACS), recently installed scrubbers to remove more than 99% of the pollutant. This visit comes after concerns were raised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the high levels of ethylene oxide emissions from the plant, which posed an increased risk of cancer for nearby residents and students attending schools in the area.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Background Information
The ACS/LeeSar plant in Fort Myers has been using odorless ethylene oxide gas to sterilize medical equipment for 12 years. While this substance is effective in sterilization, it can also be harmful to human health, causing DNA damage and increasing the risk of cancer. The EPA has identified lymphoma, leukemia, stomach cancer, and breast cancer as some of the cancers associated with ethylene oxide exposure.
Installation of Scrubbers
The plant had intended to install scrubbers to remove ethylene oxide emissions two years ago, but supply chain issues delayed the process. However, the facility has now successfully installed scrubbers that can remove more than 99% of the pollutant from its emissions. This installation ensures that the plant is now in compliance with EPA emissions standards.
Monitoring and Compliance
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been closely monitoring the plant’s emissions and has conducted inspections to ensure compliance with air emissions standards. The DEP confirms that all six commercial sterilization facilities in the state, including ACS/LeeSar, meet current federal air emissions standards and comply with their respective air operation permits.
Addressing Past Exposure
Congressman Donalds is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health to address concerns about past exposure to ethylene oxide. Efforts are being made to measure individuals’ past exposure levels through blood tests and to determine any potential cancer clusters in the area. Ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air pollution.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Proportion of urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines.
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Indicator: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste management.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Proportion of urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste management. |
Analysis
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the release of carcinogenic ethylene oxide into the air for 12 years by a medical sterilization plant. This is directly related to the target of reducing deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution (Target 3.9). The number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air pollution can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article highlights the issue of air pollution caused by the release of ethylene oxide from the plant. This is relevant to the target of reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, with a specific focus on air quality (Target 11.6). The proportion of the urban population living in areas where air quality meets WHO guidelines can be used as an indicator to track progress towards this target.
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article mentions the need for environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste, specifically the reduction of their release into the air, water, and soil. This aligns with Target 12.4, which aims to achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle. The number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste management can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.
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Source: news-press.com
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