New independent indoor/outdoor air monitoring to test for the presence of ethylene oxide (EtO) in Willowbrook, along with the U.S. EPA’s November 19, 2018 test results release, prompted Mayor Frank Trilla to issue a new request to immediately shut down the Sterigenics Willowbrook facilities.
GHD Services, Inc. (GHD), hired by the Village to test levels of EtO produced by Sterigenics, issued a report showing EtO levels lower than U.S. EPA’s testing results from earlier in the year. However, indoor readings were generally found to be higher than outdoor levels.
Mayor Trilla said the uncertainty of levels of EtO and varying test results prompted him, on December 11, 2018, to send a letter to the offices of the Illinois Attorney General and DuPage State’s Attorney renewing his request for an immediate shut down.
"There is nothing more important than health and safety of our residents," said Mayor Frank Trilla. "Since we continue to have more questions than answers, I am demanding an immediate shut down of the Sterigenics facilities until we can be assured the air quality in Willowbrook is absolutely safe and there is no risk for our residents. The Willowbrook facilities should cease operations until such time as the U.S. EPA, state, county and Village can determine why such high levels of EtO were detected by the U.S. EPA on November 19th."
Out of an abundance of caution and at GHD’s recommendation, the Village, at its own expense, will seek to perform additional 30-day indoor monitoring at the Village Hall and Police Building as soon as possible.
Letter to State and County
http://www.willowbrookil.org/DocumentCenter/View/1504
Full GHD Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Report
http://www.willowbrookil.org/DocumentCenter/View/1500