Ethylene

Class Action Filed: Ethylene Oxide Emissions from Covington and Smyrna Sterilization Plants Blamed for Cancer Surge

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Covington, Georgia — Residents near Covington and Smyrna are raising alarms over potential health risks linked to ethylene oxide exposure from nearby sterilization plants. Ethylene oxide, a chemical commonly used in sterilizing medical equipment, has been the focus of increasing scrutiny, as a series of class action lawsuits allege its harmful effects. The community has been on edge as attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that exposure to ethylene oxide has contributed to a rise in cancer cases among residents in these areas. Families are expressing their concerns, noting they believe the sterilization processes taking place … Read more

Clariant Takes Stand Against OMV’s Ethylene Purchase Lawsuit: A Battle for Industry Integrity

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Clariant, a global specialty chemicals company based in Switzerland, is preparing to contest a lawsuit concerning its ethylene purchasing practices, filed by Austrian oil and gas company OMV. The legal action asserts that Clariant engaged in unfair practices in the procurement of ethylene, a key chemical feedstock that underpins various industrial processes. OMV’s lawsuit highlights its claims of damages resulting from Clariant’s alleged malpractices, which the company argues hinder fair market competition. Clariant, committed to defending its operations vigorously, contends that the lawsuit lacks substantive merit and is prepared to provide a robust legal response … Read more

Georgia Jury Awards $20 Million to Plaintiff in Landmark Ethylene Oxide Cancer Case, Sparking Surge in Litigation Claims

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Covington, Georgia—In a notable case involving ethylene oxide (EtO), a jury awarded $20 million in compensatory damages to a plaintiff who alleged that his exposure to the chemical resulted in a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The decision came after a trial focused on the sterilization practices of C.R. Bard, which operates a medical equipment sterilization facility in Covington. The plaintiff, who drove a truck near the facility, claimed he was exposed to harmful levels of EtO while making regular pickups and living just a mile and a half away from the plant. His battle with … Read more

Juror Insights Shed Light on Controversial Verdict in Ethylene Oxide Case, Mistrial Declared for Punitive Damages

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Covington, Georgia — A jury has awarded a total of $70 million in damages to a plaintiff in a substantial case involving allegations of cancer linked to ethylene oxide exposure from a local sterilization facility. The decision includes $20 million in compensatory damages as well as an additional $50 million aimed at punishing the companies involved. Despite the financial award, the jury faced challenges determining whether the companies had intended to cause harm. Joy Buffington, a juror, expressed that the group struggled with this aspect of the case and ultimately reached a decision that did … Read more