Ethylene Oxide

NSW Health Media Release
Friday July 27, 2007

Pittwater Council has ordered a Mona Vale medical supply company Unomedical to cease emission of the gas ethylene oxide from its premises in Wilmette Place.

Acting General Manager Chris Hunt said the decision was taken following advice received from an Expert Advisory Panel set up by NSW Health.

“Council asked Unomedical to undertake an independent study of the emissions from its manufacturing plant. When a report of that study was received, Council sought advice from the Northern Sydney Central Coast Public Health Unit and the Department of Environment and Climate Change.”

Mr Hunt said that under NSW environmental laws, factories releasing the chemical Ethylene Oxide are regulated by Councils, and that Pittwater Council had taken action to have Unomedical to cease emissions.

Ethylene oxide is used to sterilise medical supplies such as sutures, bandages, and surgical implements.

NSW Health advises that it is unlikely residents will have any immediate health effects from the emissions and is awaiting further expert advice concerning the risk of delayed health effects, if any.

NSW Health, the Department of Environment and Climate Change and Pittwater Council will keep local residents updated with new information as it becomes available. However, concerned residents are urged to contact the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service Public Health Unit on (02) 9477 9188, or their local GP.

Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said an Expert Advisory Panel convened by NSW Health provided advice that the current level of emissions posed an unacceptable risk to the community.

The panel includes Professor Bruce Armstrong, University of Sydney; Professor Brian Priestly, Monash University; Professor Bernard Stewart, University of NSW and Dr Kerry Holmes, Holmes Air Science

“The Expert Advisory Panel has agreed that until the concentrations of ethylene oxide in the emissions are reduced to a safer level, emissions should cease,” Dr Chant said.

The Director of the NSW Health’s Environment Health Branch, Dr Wayne Smith said the Expert Advisory Panel would continue to gather further information about the potential impact of exposure to the gas on the community.

“NSW Health is awaiting further expert advice to clarify the extent of the risk, if any. However, based upon the information we have, it is unlikely that any residents have been exposed to levels of Ethylene Oxide that would cause immediate health effects. The Expert Advisory Panel will meet again early next week, and we will provide further updates to the community,” Dr Smith said.

Mr Joe Woodward, Executive Director of Operations, Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) said DECC would be reviewing approval processes, state regulations and guidance materials for councils, and any other regulatory issues.

Further information is available from the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service Public Health Unit and there is a list of Frequently Asked Questions available at www.health.nsw.gov.au

Media Contact: Steve Rawe 0417 259 218

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