My Hometown Has Toxic Air Pollution
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

My Hometown Has Toxic Air Pollution

With the risk being a potentially a higher risk of cancer, it's no wonder citizens are not happy with the company.

129
My Hometown Has Toxic Air Pollution
Megan McCabe

Recently, I found out that my hometown is in danger of some of the highest risks of cancer because a company went unchecked for years. The company is known as Sterigenics International, which essentially does work with cleaning medical instruments, medications, and food that kills pests and bugs.

This company has been sitting in a quiet little spot behind the local target in Willowbrook, Illinois. The issue is the company is releasing a chemical known as ethylene oxide which is listed on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. In short terms, the main concern is this exposure is that it has been going for years unchecked. Ultimately this exposure can lead to a multitude of issues including cancer, breathing difficulties as well as other less life-threatening effects.

This obviously has outraged many residents, including me, because this is my home. I can't leave but now for years, I have been exposed to a chemical that is dangerous. Not only that but the plant is within reach of at least four schools, not to mention the many residents that live in the area, as well as the other local neighborhoods that include Hinsdale and Darien.

This is so serious in fact that the Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, of Illinois has filed a lawsuit against Sterigenics. This also goes into politics as Rauner is being accused of hiding information about the exposure of the chemical and its pollution. Rauner issued a statement saying he is supporting the cause in fighting for the truth of the emissions.

Now the Environmental Protection Agency is who initially reported the higher risk of cancer for the area. They did state that's hard to note long-term effects as air monitoring has historically not been performed in the area. Of course, their report leads to public outrage because even a slightly higher chance for cancer is not okay.

There is now a petition asking for the complete shut down of the company as well as the monitoring of the air quality in the DuPage area. If you would like to sign the petition it can be found here.

It is rightfully so that people are outraged. This company has not apologized but instead defended themselves saying that the chemical ethylene oxide is what has to be used to properly clean the medical tools and food that they are given. With the risk being a potentially a higher risk of cancer, it's no wonder citizens are not happy with the company.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56194
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36199
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958143
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187865
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments