By The Star Staff
Three law firms have come together to file a class-action lawsuit and a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of Salinas residents who, according to the suit, have suffered serious health consequences, including various types of cancer, due to long-term exposure to emissions from the Steri-Tech Inc. sterilization plant located in the southern coastal municipality.
Steri-Tech has been operating in Salinas since 1986, using ethylene oxide (EtO) to sterilize medical equipment and materials. The colorless gas was classified as a human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2016 and has been linked to alarming cancer rates and other serious health conditions in surrounding communities. A risk assessment conducted by the EPA confirmed an elevated cancer risk in areas near Salinas.
The law firms of Kresch Legal Services, Napoli Shkolnik, and Milberg are pursuing legal action against Steri-Tech for its failure to comply with federal environmental regulations.
“For too long, the health and well-being of these communities have been sacrificed by corporate greed and neglect,” said Ari Kresch, an attorney for the residents. “This lawsuit is not just about holding Steri-Tech accountable; it is about giving a voice to people who have been suffering in silence for decades.”
Residents of Salinas are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at La Margarita Community Center. Legal experts will provide updates on the lawsuit and guidance for residents affected by EtO emissions. The meeting will also address how individuals can file claims for cancers such as breast cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, as well as other diseases linked to EtO exposure.
In addition to personal injury claims, a class-action lawsuit was filed on Aug. 29, 2023, against Steri-Tech and other companies responsible for releasing EtO throughout Puerto Rico. That lawsuit seeks to address the harm caused to residents of Salinas and other affected areas, including Villalba, Fajardo and Añasco. The EPA has identified the facilities in those towns as some of the highest risk locations for cancer in the United States due to EtO exposure.
The class-action lawsuit seeks: compensation for health and property damage, funding for a long-term medical monitoring program and punitive damages to prevent future harm.
The case affects more than 413,000 citizens, including those living near 300 schools and childcare centers, according to a 2023 study published by the Union of Concerned Scientists titled “Ethylene Oxide in Puerto Rico.” The report highlights that the statistic represents nearly 13% of Puerto Rico’s population impacted by toxic EtO emissions from the aforementioned sterilization facilities, emphasizing the alarming prevalence of such emissions on the island.
The attorneys have identified health conditions linked to EtO exposure that qualify individuals to join the lawsuit. Residents are urged to take action if they or their loved ones have been diagnosed with cancers and/or respiratory, neurological and reproductive problems.
Residents without a current diagnosis may still qualify, as prolonged exposure to EtO significantly increases the risk of developing health problems in the future.
Legal advocates will be available at the community meeting in Salinas to answer questions and help residents understand their right to clean air.
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