Linden, New Jersey (ETO Sterilization-Plant #2)
ETO Sterilization-Plant #2 is located at 2500 Brunswick Avenue, Linden, NJ and opened in 1986. The facility uses ethylene oxide (EtO) to sterilize agricultural commodities such as spices and nuts.
EPA scientists and analysts recently completed a risk assessment to understand the impact of EtO emissions from the ETO Sterilization-Plant #2 facility. As part of this risk assessment, we used the most recent available information about how much EtO the company emits into the air and we modeled estimated cancer risks to people living nearby. The risk assessment identified elevated cancer risk in the Linden community. EPA is committed to working with state and local agencies, facilities, and communities to reduce this risk.
ETO Sterilization-Plant #2
This map shows EPA’s estimates of lifetime cancer risks from EtO near ETO Sterilization-Plant #2 in Linden, NJ. As you can see from the map risk decreases with distance from the facility.
The area in blue shows estimated lifetime cancer risks of 100 in a million or greater from breathing air containing EtO emitted from the facility (or the same as 1 additional cancer case in 10,000 people). A lifetime cancer risk of 100 in a million means that, if 1 million people were exposed to this level of EtO in the air 24 hours a day for 70 years, 100 people would be expected to develop cancer from that exposure.
The area in dark blue on the map shows that EtO exposure could contribute to a maximum increased risk level of 20 cancer cases if 10,000 people were exposed for 70 years (or 2,000 in 1 million). EPA cannot predict whether an individual person will develop cancer.
View a larger version of the map and legend in a new browser tab.
For this risk assessment, we looked at excess cancer risk attributable to a single chemical, EtO. This estimated risk is in addition to the risk of developing cancer from other causes. This is a worst-case scenario that assumes a person stays in the highest risk area 24 hours a day continuously for 70 years. EPA takes this approach because we want to be protective of the most exposed and most vulnerable individuals from risk associated with EtO emissions from this facility.
What EPA is Doing to Address Ethylene Oxide
In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened Clean Air Act (CAA) standards for ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from commercial sterilization facilities. To protect the public and the environment, EPA creates and enforces the rules according to a variety of environmental laws and regulations. The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates toxic substances in the air and EtO is classified as a toxic substance in the air.
EPA is working with the State of New Jersey to reduce emissions at ETO Sterilization-Plant #2. EPA has provided technical support to our air agency partners at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as part of this work.
- Learn more about regulation for EtO Sterilization Facilities.
- For more information about actions you can take.
- Learn more about EPA’s updated EtO standards.
Community Updates
In March 2024, EPA strengthened Clean Air Act (CAA) standards for EtO emissions from commercial sterilizers. Community updates about the Linden facility and the updated standards are below.
- Linden, NJ EtO Final Rulemaking Fact Sheet (pdf)
- Overview of Final Air Toxics Rule for EtO Sterilization Facilities
In September 2022, EPA and the City of Linden hosted a community meeting for the Linden and Elizabeth communities to learn more about EtO and risks from commercial sterilizers.
September 2022 Community Presentation (English pdf) (pdf) September 2022 Community Presentation (Polish pdf) (pdf)
September 2022 Community Presentation (French Creole pdf) (pdf)
Community Flyer for September 14 Information Session (pdf)