By [Your Name], Senior Journalist
Salinas, Puerto Rico — August 22, 2024
For decades, residents of Salinas, Puerto Rico, have been exposed to a silent, invisible toxin that has disrupted their lives and health. Ethylene oxide, a chemical used for sterilizing medical devices, has been silently poisoning the community for years, according to a collaborative investigation by Grist and el Centro de Periodismo Investigativo, supported by the Fund for Investigative Journalism.
The Poisonous Past
The story of ethylene oxide in Salinas begins with Steri-Tech, a company that has been sterilizing medical devices at the heart of the town since the 1970s. Henry Morales, a former Steri-Tech worker, is one of the countless victims of the toxic chemical.
On a routine day at work, Morales and his colleagues were removing a batch of sterilized equipment from a chamber. After finishing their task, they removed their gas masks as per procedure. However, one vial of biological material was missing. In a moment of oversight, Morales opened the box, releasing a sweet, unfamiliar scent.
I described it as ‘dulce,’ sweet, Morales recounted. The smell was a harbinger of the invisible poison that would leave him and his colleagues with lifelong health issues.
A Slow Poisoning
Morales’ memory of the incident is hazy, but the consequences are clear. Twenty years later, he is still grappling with the effects of his exposure to ethylene oxide. The chemical has caused a range of health issues, including memory loss, neurological damage, and respiratory problems.
Morales is not alone. Many other former Steri-Tech employees have suffered similar fates, and the community at large has been affected by the toxic emissions.
A Search for Answers
The investigation into the impact of ethylene oxide in Salinas is ongoing. The Centro de Periodismo Investigativo has pieced together the story of Henry Morales and others, using photographs, medical records, and interviews to tell their harrowing tales.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of the chemical’s toxicity, the situation in Salinas remains largely unaddressed. The community is searching for answers and justice, as they continue to live with the consequences of decades of exposure to this invisible, toxic chemical.
Climate + Accountability
The story of Salinas, Puerto Rico, is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of industrial chemicals and the need for accountability. As climate change and environmental justice continue to be critical issues, the case of ethylene oxide in Salinas serves as a cautionary tale for communities around the world.
The Grist 50, a list of climate leaders, includes many individuals and organizations committed to addressing these issues and ensuring a just future for all. As we learn from the experiences of Salinas, we must continue to advocate for environmental justice and the health and safety of all communities.
For more information on the Grist 50 and their commitment to climate solutions, visit Grist’s website.
About the Author
[Your Name] is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering environmental issues and climate change. Having worked for Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, and international media like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, [Your Name] brings a wealth of experience to the reporting of this critical story.
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