April 22, 2026
About 90% of El Paso residents are breathing air that’s filled with hazardous and toxic materials. One major reason? Ethylene oxide (EtO), a chemical used to sterilize medical devices. Most people don’t realize how common this chemical is, or that it’s one of the most scrutinized examples of toxic substances used today.
At issue is the Cardinal Health warehouse, located on the east side of El Paso, that stores EtO-sterilized products. From the outside, it looks like any other distribution center. But once boxes are unpacked or moved, small amounts of this toxic substance can escape into the air. It’s an example of toxicity that most communities never even know they’re living next to and it’s making people sick.
How Hazardous and Toxic Materials Reach Families
Warehouses handling hazardous substances like EtO aren’t required to notify nearby neighborhoods. That means people can live for years next to a chemical tied to serious long-term health risks without knowing it, especially when these facilities blend in as “ordinary” buildings.
And it’s not just El Paso. A Grist and El Paso Matters investigation found at least 30 similar warehouses nationwide, often located near homes, schools, and parks. These sites look ordinary, but they may be releasing toxic substances into surrounding communities with little public awareness. It’s one of the clearest examples of toxic substances moving quietly through everyday supply chains.
What Is Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a sterilizing gas used on medical devices that can’t withstand heat. The FDA estimates that it is used to sterilize about half of all medical equipment in the U.S. EtO is volatile, and trace amounts can linger on products and escape during routine handling. It’s a reminder of how hazardous and toxic materials can show up in places most families wouldn’t expect.
How Dangerous Is Ethylene Oxide?
The EPA classifies EtO as a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure has been linked to:
These conditions are among the most serious examples of toxic substances harming families nationwide. And these aren’t just illnesses on a list; people are living them.
A jury recently awarded $20 million to a Georgia truck driver who lived just 1.5 miles from a C.R. Bard EtO plant and picked up loads there all the time. He later developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma and went through chemo and a stem-cell transplant. And his case is just one of hundreds of EtO lawsuits now moving through the courts.
A Community Ready for Answers About Hazardous and Toxic Materials
El Paso families just want the truth. What’s in their air? How long has it been there? And what protections should they expect moving forward? They’re not alone. Communities across the country feel the same way about hazardous and toxic materials in their own backyards. In the meantime, many people harmed by EtO aren’t waiting. They’re filing lawsuits to hold companies accountable for the damage already done.
How We Help Victims of Toxic Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced attorneys. Our Dallas, Texas, benzene law firm has battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years, aggressively fighting to hold them responsible for dangerous chemicals and the personal injuries and cancers they cause. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury caused by dangerous products, we can help.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Private equity firm and co-defendants agree to pay $25M in Medicaid fraud case alleging mental health services provided by unqualified providers.
That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win.
