Nov. 18, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 522

For more information contact Jim Snead, Air Quality Management Section, 302-323-4542, or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Hearing Set for Dec. 3 on Proposed Amendment
to Air Emissions Standards for Hospital Sterilizers 

DNREC’s Air Quality Management Section will hold a public hearing 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 on the proposed amendment to Regulation 1138, Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants applicable to hospital sterilizers. The hearing will be held at DNREC’s Air Quality Management Section office, 715 Grantham Lane, New Castle.

The proposed amendment to Regulation 1138 is based upon the EPA’s national emissions standards for new and existing hospital sterilizers that emit ethylene oxide and includes several more protective requirements, similar to other air toxic standards currently in Delaware’s regulation.

The proposed amendment will provide increased protection for Delawareans against a variety of adverse health effects that have been associated with ethylene oxide. Based upon cancer data, ethylene oxide is classified as a probable carcinogen, with an increased incidence of leukemia, stomach cancer and cancers of the pancreas linked to human exposure. In addition, exposure to ethylene oxide has been found to affect the proper functioning of the brain and nerves and can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.

The public and the regulated community are encouraged to attend the hearing and provide comments.

The proposed amendment and related information can be inspected weekdays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at DNREC’s Air Quality Management offices, 156 South State Street, Dover and 715 Grantham Lane, New Castle or viewed on the Department’s web site at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/whs/awm/Info/Regs/Pages/ETOSterilizer.aspx.

Statements and testimony can be presented either orally or in writing at a public hearing or submitted in writing prior to the public hearing to: James.Snead@state.de.us or DNREC Air Quality Management Section, 715 Grantham Lane, New Castle, DE 19720 (Attn. Jim Snead).

For more information, contact Jim Snead in New Castle at (302) 323-4542.