Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation tightening restrictions on the cancer-causing chemical ethylene oxide in Illinois. The bills, SB1852 and SB1854, were proposed after tests showed alarming levels of ethylene oxide near facilities using the chemical. “This major legislative success is owed to all those who have been impacted by ethylene oxide and took action to stand up for themselves and their neighbors,” said Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “The General Assembly and Governor Pritzker should be credited for listening to these communities and responding to protect them from environmental contaminants.” Recent research and reporting by the US Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that ethylene oxide, a chemical used in the manufacturing and sterilization of medical equipment, is a potent carcinogen linked to breast and other cancer varieties. These studies also found that cancer rates may be far higher in Willowbrook, Illinois because of exposure to this dangerous chemical. Reporting by the Chicago Tribune found that Waukegan’s western boundaries, as well as Gurnee, Park City, North Chicago, Warren Township and Naval Station Great Lakes, are also at risk from ethylene oxide emissions from facilities in those areas.