Ardmore, Oklahoma (LEMCO Ardmore)
LEMCO Ardmore is located at 3204 Hale Road, Ardmore, OK. The facility uses ethylene oxide (EtO) to sterilize medical equipment and materials.
EPA scientists and analysts recently completed a risk assessment to understand the impact of EtO emissions from the LEMCO Ardmore facility. As part of this risk assessment, we used the most recent available information about how much EtO the company emits into the air and we modeled estimated cancer risks to people living nearby. The risk assessment identified elevated cancer risk in the Ardmore community. EPA is committed to working with state and local agencies, facilities, and communities to reduce this risk.
This risk information is current as of July 27, 2022. If EPA receives new data, we will update this information. The risk information is based on EPA’s latest modeling of EtO emissions from this facility. We are continuing to collect and verify information about this facility and its emissions. If there are updates to EtO emissions or the systems in place at the facility, there may be a resulting update to the risk information.
LEMCO Ardmore
This map shows EPA’s estimates of lifetime cancer risks from EtO near LEMCO Ardmore in Ardmore, OK. As you can see from the map risk decreases with distance from the facility.
The area in blue shows estimated lifetime cancer risks of 100 in a million or greater from breathing air containing EtO emitted from the facility (or the same as 1 additional cancer case in 10,000 people). A lifetime cancer risk of 100 in a million means that, if 1 million people were exposed to this level of EtO in the air 24 hours a day for 70 years, 100 people would be expected to develop cancer from that exposure.
The area in dark blue on the map shows that EtO exposure could contribute to a maximum increased risk level of 2 cancer cases if 10,000 people were exposed for 70 years (or 200 in 1 million). EPA cannot predict whether an individual person will develop cancer.
View a larger version of the map and legend in a new browser tab.
For this risk assessment, we looked at excess cancer risk attributable to a single chemical, EtO. This estimated risk is in addition to the risk of developing cancer from other causes. This is a worst-case scenario that assumes a person stays in the highest risk area 24 hours a day continuously for 70 years. EPA takes this approach because we want to be protective of the most exposed and most vulnerable individuals from risk associated with EtO emissions from this facility.
Community Details
Site Overview:
Lemco is a small commercial sterilizer that has been in the business of Product Sterilization Service since 1990. At this facility, medical and cosmetic instruments are sterilized using ethylene oxide to eliminate microorganisms.
Technical Information:
The commercial sterilizer has 3 sterilization aeration chambers: a seven-pallet chamber, a five-pallet chamber, and a one-pallet chamber. Aeration chamber emissions are then sent to a wet acid scrubber. This facility has a general permit from Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) with maximum estimated stack emissions of 0.09 tons per year (tpy).
What EPA is Doing to Address Ethylene Oxide
Now: EPA is working with the State of Oklahoma to reduce emissions at LEMCO. EPA has provided technical support to our air agency partners as part of this work. The Agency is reviewing controls on regulated equipment and processes that emit EtO to determine whether additional air pollution controls are needed. This review includes examining new developments in practices, processes and control technologies, considering cost and feasibility, as well as addressing any previously unregulated emission points.
Soon: Later this year, EPA will propose strengthening current regulations for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilizers. EPA will consider risk as part of the proposed regulations.
- Learn more about regulation for EtO Sterilization Facilities.
- For more information about actions you can take.
Register to Attend the Community Open House
An open house will take place on October 18, 2022, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, at the Ardmore Public Library (Smith Room) 320 E. St. NW Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401.
If you require special accommodations, including live translation into a language other than English or Spanish, please contact eto@epa.gov to make arrangements.
Note: EPA will use your registration information for this event and to send you information about upcoming EtO-related actions and activities. We will not share your information with any third party.
All registration fields are required.