Employees Were Exposed To Cancer-Causing Chemical At South Bay Facility: DA

CARSON, CA — A medical device sterilization company in Carson is being accused of exposing its workers to a highly dangerous toxic chemical.

Prosecutors say Parter Sterilization Services was aware that some employees were being exposed to elevated levels of ethylene oxide for prolonged periods, but failed to take action to mitigate the dangers.

Parter Sterilization Services uses ethylene oxide to conduct sterilization services for medical device manufacturers.

But exposure to ethylene oxide can silently poison people over time, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. It causes cancer, respiratory and reproductive issues and neurological problems.

On Thursday, the LA County District Attorney's Office had its Bureau of Investigation department serve a warrant at the company's facility in Carson. Though it's unclear whether anything was discovered at the lab.

“No employer should risk the safety of their workers by exposing them to toxic substances and then turn a blind eye,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement Thursday. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to follow the evidence wherever it leads and will not hesitate to hold accountable any individual or organization that puts profits over public health.”

In 2022, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a notice of violation to Parter Sterilization Services after air sampling near the facility showed elevated levels of ethylene oxide.

This led to the company temporarily shutting down its operations for a few months until additional air pollution controls could be implemented.