Taunton, Massachusetts (Professional Contract Sterilization, Inc.)
Professional Contract Sterilization, Inc. (PCS) is located at 40 Myles Standish Boulevard, Taunton, MA. The facility uses ethylene oxide (EtO) to sterilize medical equipment and materials.
EPA scientists and analysts recently completed a risk assessment to understand the impact of EtO emissions from the PCS 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 lifetime cancer risk (assuming exposure over 70 years) in the communities of Taunton and Norton, Massachusetts. EPA is committed to working with state and local agencies, facilities, and communities to reduce this risk.
Professional Contract Sterilization, Inc.
This map shows EPA's estimates of lifetime cancer risks from EtO near PCS in Taunton and Norton, MA. 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 9 cancer cases if 10,000 people were exposed for 70 years (or 900 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.
Community Details
PCS is a small business that has been in operation since approximately 1990 and uses EtO to sterilize medical and veterinary equipment. PCS utilizes a wet scrubber to control emissions from their operational sterilization chambers. PCS utilizes a catalytic oxidizer to control emissions from their operational primary aeration rooms. These controls have been in operation for several years.
EPA is not aware of any planned installation of new control technologies at PCS. There are no air quality monitoring stations measuring EtO in the direct vicinity of the PCS facility. EPA is aware of one daycare and a summer camp near PCS, but outside the area modeled at having risks equal to or greater than 100-in-a-million.
EPA has notified nearby residents, nearby businesses (including the daycare and summer camp), and PCS as part of our pre-proposal outreach. Below are the flyer and postcard that we have provided to residences within one mile of PCS.
- Flyer: EtO Information for Taunton and Norton, MA (pdf)
- Postcard: EtO Information Session for Taunton and Norton, MA (pdf)
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 also working with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reduce emissions at PCS. 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.
- Learn more about the final rule for EtO Sterilization Facilities.
- For more information about actions you can take.
Virtual Community Meeting on September 13th
EPA Region 1 hosted a community meeting to discuss the risks associated with PCS in the Taunton and Norton, Massachusetts communities on September 13, 2022. Watch a recording of the meeting at: https://youtu.be/BfqJGoiVkV8