This story of Alexandria Pittman’s journey with ethylene oxide exposure was created in collaboration with Atlanta News First. Pittman noticed a pattern of unexplained bruises and persistent aches since starting her job at a distribution center in Lithia Springs, sorting medical devices for ConMed. Her fiancé, Derek Mitchell, initially dismissed her complaints until the company revealed in 2019 that the products were sterilized with ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. Pittman and over 50 of her co-workers suffered various health issues, from seizures to cancer, as a result of the exposure.
Since then, Pittman has faced multiple health challenges, including strokes, brain surgery, and ongoing chemotherapy for myeloma. Her life has been completely altered, forcing her to live with her mother due to her condition. The engagement ring Mitchell purchased as a symbol of their commitment now serves as a painful reminder of what could have been.
The ethylene oxide contamination at the warehouse was unexpected, as the chemical was only supposed to be used at a nearby sterilization plant. However, the off-gassing from the treated products led to significant air pollution in the storage facility, affecting workers like Pittman directly. Despite regulatory efforts to monitor and control ethylene oxide emissions, the safety of workers remains a concern, especially as OSHA has yet to investigate levels at several identified warehouses.
The story of Pittman highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive measures to protect workers from harmful chemicals like ethylene oxide. As regulators work to address the issue, it is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of those who are most vulnerable to exposure in the workplace.
