Atlanta Plans Air Testing Near Sterigenics Plant In Smyrna

The city of Atlanta plans to enter an agreement with Smyrna and Cobb County to conduct air testing near the Sterigenics plant after concerns of toxic gas emissions. The plant, which sterilizes medical equipment, is located less than a mile away from Atlanta.

In 2016, the EPA classified ethylene oxide as a chemical that causes cancer.  In July, a report from Georgia Health News and WebMD said residents near the facility may have a higher risk of cancer risk. Residents in Covington near the BD Bard plant are also at risk.

Atlanta City Councilmember Dustin Hillis introduced the legislation. He says the state’s Environmental Protection Division didn’t do enough to protect residents.

“They seem to be a little asleep at the wheel when it comes to protecting us,” he says.

“It is very important for all residents of the area, City of Atlanta, Smyrna, Cobb County, to know the truth about their air quality and not rely on self-reporting from this company who does not have a good history of doing that.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, “ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas with a sweet odor.” It’s used as a sterilizing agent, a pesticide and to produce antifreeze.

Atlanta’s share of the agreement would be no more than $54,500.

“This ensures that the city of Atlanta portion of the radius will be tested,” says Hillis.

The Council’s vote came on the same day that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency held a public meeting in Marietta.

“The City wants to ensure that our communities have clean air,” Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said in a statement. “While there is no evidence our residents have been impacted, we must do our due diligence to ensure the well-being of our families.”