EPA Research Partner Support Story: Detecting and Measuring Ethylene Oxide
Partner: City of Verona (MO), Verona R-7 School District
Challenge: Detecting and measuring ethylene oxide (EtO) in Verona, Missouri
Resource: Performance evaluation of new EtO measurement technologies
Project Period: 2022 – 2023
Residents of Verona expressed concerns about potential exposures to elevated levels of ethylene oxide (EtO), a hazardous industrial air pollutant, to EPA Region 7 (Midwest). The concerns were related to a nearby chemical facility that regularly handles significant amounts of EtO as part of its standard operations.
In response, EPA Region 7 staff reached out to colleagues in EPA ORD to request an EtO air monitoring study. The study took place from October 5, 2022, to January 30, 2023, with the goal of measuring EtO concentrations in communities near the facility.
“EPA’s Midwest Region and ORD have been instrumental in working with the city government of Verona and our industrial partner in addressing legitimate concerns regarding air emissions, as well as maintaining and monitoring of the Superfund site located in our community. They continue to work actively with our city by providing much needed information and continuous monitoring, which has helped to allay fears. We look forward to continuing to work closely with EPA to address issues related to air emissions and our Superfund site, to provide community education, and to work to allow our businesses and town to thrive.” ‒ Verona Mayor Amy Spears
ORD researchers developed a comprehensive EtO monitoring methodology and data acquisition system to gather real-time EtO concentrations and weather data.
The study provided ORD with the opportunity to test new EtO measurement methods in different climates and field conditions, test quality assurance methods, and further establish remote operation capabilities. The experience has helped researchers develop more reliable monitoring capabilities.
Partner organizations used the data collected to improve the understanding of EtO concentrations in Verona near the facility and to communicate results transparently to the public. The data and lessons learned help inform strategies to reduce EtO emissions and lead to targeted emission reductions to lower the risk to the public.