Cancer is a scary word. And, when you add “lawsuit” to it, it’s even scarier. The B. Braun Ethylene Oxide cancer lawsuits are a frightening example of what can happen when companies put profits over people. Hundreds of people have been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to ethylene oxide (EO) – a known carcinogen – while working at or living near B. Braun facilities in Pennsylvania.
B. Braun is a leading medical equipment, health care products, and services provider. From hospitals to surgery centers, from doctors’ offices to home care environments, B. Braun helps improve patient care on a global scale. There are many benefits to using B. Braun products and services, but we want to ensure you know about its impact on some of our clients.
If you or a family member developed cancer after living near or working at a B. Braun plant, continue reading to learn how an attorney can help you recover compensation for your damages.
B. Braun Cancer Lawsuits
The B. Braun Ethylene Oxide cancer lawsuits are a frightening example of what can happen when companies put profits over people. The suits allege that the company knew of the dangers of ethylene oxide but failed to warn workers or take steps to protect them from exposure. As a result, dozens of workers have been diagnosed with cancer, and many more are at risk. This is a travesty, and it’s clear that something needs to be done to hold these companies accountable for their actions.
To that end, the company is facing several lawsuits from those affected, alleging that they knew about the dangers of EO but failed to adequately protect workers and residents from exposure. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to ethylene oxide, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced attorney today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
More About Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene oxide is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent odor. Commonly known as EO, it is used mainly to produce ethylene glycol, which is used in the production of plastics and antifreeze. It is also used to sterilize surgical equipment and medical supplies.
While medical sterilization has many benefits, there are many risks associated with ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, and hundreds of people who have been exposed to the chemical while working at or living near B. Braun facilities have now been diagnosed with the disease.
Who Is Affected by Ethylene Oxide
Potentially thousands of people have been affected by ethylene oxide. Though, B. Braun is not the only company emitting it. Therefore, there has been a push in the U.S. to regulate this chemical. In 1999, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences held a workshop that looked at ethylene oxide and its health effects on workers. Still, the product is still regularly used by many manufacturers.
What is B. Braun’s Role and Impact?
Individuals, families, and communities have been exposed to airborne ethylene oxide and are at risk. Residents and workers near the B. Braun plant in Allentown, Pennsylvania, have been living with an ethylene oxide plume in their community for at least the last six years. Reported adverse health effects due to chemical exposure associated with B. Braun include asthma attacks, chronic lung problems, skin irritation, headaches, rashes, nosebleeds, and eye irritation.
The Illinois EPA has repeatedly cited B. Braun for failure to report and abate pollution releases. Yet, the communities were exposed to ethylene oxide emissions for extended periods anyway. In 2011 the EPA collected air samples and found ethylene oxide in the ambient air at levels of concern near their facility. Despite these findings, B. Braun did not notify nearby residents, set up alternate water supplies, or advise local residents to avoid certain areas.
Get Justice for Your Cancer Damages Caused by B. Braun Plants
If you lived near a B. Braun plant and developed cancer, ethylene oxide may have been the cause of your illness. To learn whether you are eligible to recover damages from B. Braun for their role in the development of your condition, contact a lawyer immediately.
At Kwartler and Manus, LLC we are well aware of the impact B. Braun has had and will work to ensure you get justice. Use the contact form on this page to get in touch with a lawyer today. Call our office at (267) 457-5570 today.