Parter Medical Products, Inc. is accused of failing to act, even after learning that some employees had been exposed to hazardous levels of ethylene oxide 

July 18, 2025 – CARSON, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced on Thursday that members of his Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations that Parter Medical Products, Inc., doing business as Parter Sterilization Services, failed to protect its employees from prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide, a known toxic chemical.

“No employer should risk the safety of their workers by exposing them to toxic substances and then turn a blind eye,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Ethylene oxide can silently poison people over time — causing cancer, damaging organs, and cutting lives short. 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.”

More than 20 members of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, executed the search warrant on July 17 at Parter Medical Products Inc., in the city of Carson.

Ethylene oxide is a hazardous gas linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and neurological damage. It is colorless and its odor is undetectable to the human nose until it reaches harmful concentrations. Despite being aware that some employees were exposed to elevated levels of the chemical, the company is accused of failing to take adequate steps to mitigate the danger.

The matter is being investigated by Assistant Head Deputy Daniel Wright of Environmental Crimes and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone with information related to this matter may call AHD Wright at (213) 257-3001.

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office