Alleged Violation of EPA Regulations by Industrial Plant Leads to Health Hazards

Case Overview

This case study examines a situation involving an industrial plant. The plant is alleged to have emitted excessive amounts of ethylene oxide over a decade (2008-2018). Residents within a two-mile radius of the plant during this time frame developed various types of cancer.

It is claimed that the plant's emissions significantly exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, posing serious health risks to the local community. An expert with extensive knowledge in EPA regulations was sought to review and provide their professional opinion on whether the plant violated EPA emission standards for ethylene oxide during these years.

Questions to the Environmental expert and their responses

Could you describe your professional background in EPA regulations, particularly any experience with ethylene oxide?

I am recognized as an air quality and human health exposure expert with comprehensive knowledge and experience regarding ethylene oxide. I have been actively involved in numerous legal cases related to this hazardous chemical toxin, representing thousands of plaintiffs through multiple law firms.

Are you familiar with the EPA emission limits for ethylene oxide between 2008 and 2018?

Yes, I am intimately familiar with the EPA emission limits for ethylene oxide during that period.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If so, could you elaborate?

Indeed, I have reviewed similar cases involving companies comparable to B-Braun over the past two years. My work primarily involves conducting air and toxicological assessments, including emissions evaluations, on several facilities.

About the expert

This expert boasts nearly two decades of experience in air quality analysis, human health exposure, and risk assessment, with advanced degrees in biochemistry, chemistry, and environmental science and engineering. They hold certifications in ATSDR phase I & II site assessments and are an active member of several professional organizations, including a panelist on a national Air Quality Monitoring Committee. Currently, they serve as the founder and CEO of an air quality and human health exposure consultancy after holding significant positions at a Health Effects Institute and a Department of Public Health.

E-385122

Specialties:

Environmental

About the author

Zach Barreto

Zach Barreto is a distinguished professional in the legal industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Research at the Expert Institute. With a deep understanding of a broad range of legal practice areas, Zach's expertise encompasses personal injury, medical malpractice, mass torts, defective products, and many other sectors. His skills are particularly evident in handling complex litigation matters, including high-profile cases like the Opioids litigation, NFL Concussion Litigation, California Wildfires, 3M earplugs, Elmiron, Transvaginal Mesh, NFL Concussion Litigation, Roundup, Camp Lejeune, Hernia Mesh, IVC filters, Paraquat, Paragard, Talcum Powder, Zantac, and many others.

Under his leadership, the Expert Institute’s research team has expanded impressively from a single member to a robust team of 100 professionals over the last decade. This growth reflects his ability to navigate the intricate and demanding landscape of legal research and expert recruitment effectively. Zach has been instrumental in working on nationally significant litigation matters, including cases involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, toxic chemical exposure, and wrongful death, among others.

At the Expert Institute, Zach is responsible for managing all aspects of the research department and developing strategic institutional relationships. He plays a key role in equipping attorneys for success through expert consulting, case management, strategic research, and expert due diligence provided by the Institute’s cloud-based legal services platform, Expert iQ.

Educationally, Zach holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and European History from Vanderbilt University.