Medtronic PR Operation Co. in Villalba, Puerto Rico, has come under scrutiny due to concerns about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions, a chemical used in their sterilization processes that is linked to cancer. Medtronic has been a part of the Villalba community since 1974 and began sterilization operations in 1998. Despite the company’s long-standing presence, worries about the health implications of EtO persist among local residents.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of violation to Medtronic after an inspection revealed failures in reporting excess emissions, conducting efficiency tests, and renewing operating permits.