This story is co-reported by Brenda Goodman of WebMD and Andy Miller of Georgia Health News.
August 1, 2019 – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office announced Thursday that it's investigating toxic contamination linked to 2 medical device sterilization facilities in metropolitan Atlanta.
A report by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last 12 months indicated that there was an increased risk of cancer in two census tracts within the Smyrna area and one in Covington – in addition to dozens of other areas across the US – mainly as a result of the discharge of ethylene oxide into the air, a gas utilized in sterilization plants.
There are sterilization plants in Smyrna and Covington that use ethylene oxide. The cancer-causing chemical, the cancer risks related to it and the Georgia facilities that use the gas were detailed in a report last month by WebMD and Georgia Health News.
“From the beginning, the administration has worked closely with local, state and federal partners to investigate these findings, find solutions and keep residents informed throughout the process,” said Candice Broce, a spokeswoman for Kemp. “We will work around the clock to manage this situation and keep Georgia families safe.”
Broce said the administration first learned in regards to the ethylene oxide emissions through the WebMD/Georgia Health News article. She said that after that news report, Kemp officials contacted the state Environmental Protection Agency (EPD) for information in regards to the sterilization facilities and the procedures used there.
The two Georgia firms involved – Sterigenics in Smyrna and BD in Covington – have voluntarily agreed to scale back their ethylene oxide emissions, Broce said.
This week, the Smyrna City Council said it was committed to independently testing the air across the Sterigenics plant to find out the precise ethylene oxide levels in the neighborhood. Broce said the administration supports those tests.
Kemp's staff have heard from several lawmakers, local officials and constituents expressing concerns about air pollution, Broce said.
The Kemp administration plans to carry public meetings this month to reply questions on the problem, together with officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CDC, in addition to staff from the state EPD and Department of Health.
Communities within the Smyrna and Covington area only recently learned in regards to the cancer risks when news reports surfaced, although state EPD officials have known in regards to the EPA data since last 12 months. Kemp took office in January.
When asked in regards to the lack of public disclosure of the state's ethylene oxide policy, Broce said, “We try to be transparent every day. That's what we expect from our government. We're going to make sure that continues to be a priority.”
Democratic Senator Jen Jordan, who represents a part of the Smyrna region, said Thursday she was “glad to hear the governor's office is finally taking action. This is a public health crisis. We need all hands on deck.”
Jordan bluntly called for independent testing of the air across the Sterigenics plant.
“I’m glad he’s getting involved,” said Democratic Rep. Erick Allen, who represents Georgia’s fortieth District in Smyrna.
The administration said it has been holding day by day meetings and receiving updates from state officials and is in communication with local and state lawmakers, including Jordan, Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott, state Rep. Erick Allen, who represents the Smyrna area, and state Sen. Brian Strickland, who represents Covington.