Clearing The Air? Georgia’s Actions On Toxic Emissions Leave Confusion

In recent weeks, Georgia officials have been moving swiftly to make legal agreements with Sterigenics that in some cases have bypassed public input, according to a report from Georgia Health News and WebMD.

Brenda Goodman is a senior news writer for WebMD. Andy Miller is editor and CEO of Georgia Health News.

At a community meeting in suburban Cobb County on Monday night, elected officials and environmental regulators faced hundreds of residents concerned about toxic pollution. They promised that — at least from now on — they’ll be seeking a dialogue with the public.

They pledged to be open about their dealings with Sterigenics, a company that’s been legally releasing a cancer-causing gas called ethylene oxide into the air in Smyrna for decades.