Sterigenics Faces 32 New Lawsuits

WILLOWBROOK, IL — Sterigenics, the embattled Willowbrook sterilization facility that's still under a shutdown order from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency over ethylene oxide emissions, faces 32 new lawsuits. A representative for a number of lawyers working these cases announced the new cases, which come in addition to the 11 Sterigenics already face in Cook County Circuit Court.

“Sterigenics has been emitting ethylene oxide into the air near Willowbrook for decades, knowing that it is a carcinogen with potency and danger on par with radiation,” said Antonio Romanucci of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, one of the law firms representing Sterigenics victims. “Hundreds of thousands have been exposed and tens of thousands have been sickened. Now, thousands of victims are being represented in these lawsuits seeking justice. Tens of thousands more will be sickened in the future--and no one knows how many have already died as a result of this noxious poison.”

Under a deal with the state, Sterigenics could reopen if a judge approves an agreement with the EPA that would have them significantly reduce emissions.

Jana Conev was one of the people who filed a new lawsuit, attorneys said. Conev runs a daycare, Conev’s Cradle, which is located near the Sterigenics plant in Willowbrook.

“This company has impacted every aspect of my life. It has affected my home value, it has affected my business, and most importantly it has affected my family’s health,” said Conev. “I had breast cancer, my husband has cancer, my one daughter has had a miscarriage. This company has taken everything from me and it’s time they leave and answer for what they’ve done.”

Attorneys who helped victims file the suits have repeatedly spoke against the planned reopening of the plant.

“If allowed to reopen, Sterigenics will only further devastate generations of residents in the community,” said Patrick Salvi II, an attorney with the Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. firm. “Our clients’ civil lawsuits seek to hold Sterigenics to account for continuing to put profits over people.”