The site had been closed for two years: a toxic and carcinogenic gas found in a Tetra Medical laboratory

The former Tetra Medical site, located in Annonay (Ardèche) has been closed since 2022 (ILLUSTRATION). street view screenshot

This Tuesday, June 4, an inspection visit to the former Tetra Medical site, located in Annonay (Ardèche) and closed in 2022, revealed the presence of carcinogenic gas. nbsp;A prefectural decree was issued to require the purging of the pipes.

The company had been liquidated in 2022. This Tuesday, June 4, the Regional Directorate of Environment, Planning and Housing (Dreal) and investigators from the Central Fighting Office against attacks on the environment and public health (OCLAESP) revealed the presence of toxic gases on the former Tetra Medical site.

Presence of ethylene oxide

According to Le Dauphiné Libéré, barrels containing ethylene oxide were found during an inspection visit. This gas, used to sterilize medical equipment, is particularly carcinogenic, reprotoxic and mutagenic.

Purge the pipes

If the containers have been evacuated, placed in a ventilated room and there is no trace of ethylene oxide inside ;outside, the pipes were not purged, requiring a prefectural decree to remedy this.

Several cases of cancer among former employees had been recognized as an occupational disease, initiating industrial tribunal proceedings, according to our colleagues at France Bleu. A judicial investigation had notably been opened for endangering others.