Families Near Laredo Sterilization Plant Fear Cancer Risk

LAREDO, Texas — The lives of the Nevares and Ortiz families are overshadowed by a looming health threat as they grapple with serious illnesses potentially linked to a nearby sterilization facility. Both families reside close to the Midwest Sterilization Corporation, a medical equipment sterilization plant that utilizes ethylene oxide, a chemical known to be carcinogenic.

For the Nevares family, the struggle began seven years ago when their youngest son, Juan Jose “JJ” Nevares, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at just six years old. Despite successfully overcoming the disease, the family remains concerned about the potential health risks associated with emissions from the plant. Meanwhile, their neighbor, Xavier Ortiz, is currently battling lymphoma, a situation that has sparked fears of a cancer cluster in their community.

The Nevares family had always viewed their home as a sanctuary, filled with joy and the pitter-patter of kittens. However, the shadow of illness has changed their perspective. Nidia Nevares, JJ’s mother, expressed the emotional turmoil of realizing that the emissions from the plant may have contributed to her son’s health struggles. “It’s an ugly feeling to consider that her son’s cancer may have been linked to the toxic emissions,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll this knowledge has taken on her family.

Community Concerns Over Ethylene Oxide Emissions

Local activists have long raised alarms about the dangers of ethylene oxide emissions in Laredo, advocating for stricter air quality monitoring and regulatory measures. Their efforts gained momentum in March 2024 when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new federal regulations aimed at significantly curbing emissions from facilities like the one in Laredo. However, these regulations now face uncertainty as the incoming administration under Donald Trump has indicated plans to reassess numerous environmental rules.

Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas used for sterilizing medical equipment. While it plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of medical devices, its carcinogenic properties raise significant concerns. According to the National Cancer Institute, ethylene oxide damages DNA, which accounts for both its effectiveness as a sterilizer and its potential to cause cancer.

A report released in 2024 indicated that Laredo has some of the highest levels of excess cancer risk in the country. Following a 2022 investigative report by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, awareness about the risks posed by ethylene oxide emissions surged. The report prompted city officials to commission a fenceline monitoring study conducted by the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). This study, led by air quality scientist Richard Peilter from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, found elevated concentrations of ethylene oxide near the sterilization plant, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring.

Residents Demand Transparency and Action

Despite the findings, Midwest Sterilization Corporation maintains that its emissions are within legal limits and emphasizes its role in providing essential medical sterilization services. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding its emissions or practices.

Residents like Xavier Ortiz are left seeking answers. Diagnosed with lymphoma in September 2024, Ortiz discovered the possible link to the plant only after receiving information from local activists. “It’s not fair that more people would be contaminated,” he expressed, highlighting the shared concerns of many in the community.

Ortiz’s daily life has been profoundly impacted by his illness. Chemotherapy treatments have left him bedridden for extended periods, straining his family’s finances and emotional well-being. “It affects my family’s finances, my health, my well-being,” he explained, emphasizing the ripple effects of his diagnosis.

As community members rally for answers, they also call for accountability from the plant. Activists, including those from RGISC, have voiced their concerns over the potential health risks posed by the facility, advocating for more stringent regulations and oversight.

The tension between community health and industrial operations is palpable in Laredo, where families like the Nevares and Ortiz are caught in a complex web of regulatory uncertainty. As the EPA navigates the political landscape, local residents remain vigilant, demanding transparency and proactive measures to safeguard their health and environment.