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Ethylene Oxide Use at Gurnee
In recent years, a number of community members and elected officials have voiced concerns about potential risks associated with Ethylene Oxide (EO or EtO). As a longstanding corporate resident of Gurnee, Vantage takes these concerns seriously and we want to share factual information about our use of EO.
ATSDR Report: June 2024
On June 21, 2024, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) issued a draft Health Consultation report regarding ethylene oxide concentrations near Vantage and Medline facilities in Lake County, IL. Vantage does not believe the report contains any new information or that there is evidence of an increased cancer risk based on the data available.
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Study on Actual Cancer Rates in the Gurnee Community
ATSDR acknowledges that the best evidence we have about the potential health effects of EO comes from NIOSH worker studies. Those studies found no actual increase in cancer rates among workers even at exposures more than 1,000 times higher than those in the areas around Vantage.
The Illinois Department of Health had previously reviewed actual cancer rates in Lake County (2018). The ILDPH study and the ATSDR’s assessment of the most likely exposure scenarios show that Vantage’s emissions are safe.
Congressional Response to ATSDR Report
In response to the ATSDR’s report, U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued a joint statement, saying the report “shows that stringent emissions controls and ambient air monitoring appear to be effective in helping ensure the air is safe to breathe for residents living near facilities that use ethylene oxide.”
Vantage is voluntarily evaluating options for additional air monitoring at the site's fence-line with input from public health agencies as recommended by ATSDR and echoed by the congressional delegation.
Investments in Continuous Improvement
Vantage invests in continuous improvement at our Gurnee, IL site. We have invested more than $10 million in improvements since 2019. This supports our commitment to minimize emissions and reduce our environmental footprint. These actions include:
SAFETY AT OUR GURNEE, IL PLANT
Vantage partners with federal, state, and local safety regulators, including the U.S. EPA, Illinois EPA, and local authorities to operate safely. In particular, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires Vantage to comply with its Process Safety Management standards, which include 14 elements/requirements, from comprehensive hazard assessments and employee training to on-site inspections.
As part of, and in addition to, compliance with these regulations and standards, Vantage has invested in equipment to keep its plant, workers, and the surrounding community safe. This includes:
Equipment
Precautions
Partnerships