CARSON – Two executives at Parter Medical Products Inc. have been charged with five felonies each for allegedly exposing workers to ethylene oxide, a cancer-linked chemical, then falsifying records to conceal the danger from regulators.
Hormoz Foroughi of Newport Beach and Amine Elmaziati of Long Beach each face charges of failure to disclose a serious concealed danger, forgery, filing a false document, disposal of hazardous waste at an unpermitted site and illegal storage of hazardous waste at a site without a permit.
The charges stem from alleged worker exposure to toxic gas at the Carson sterilization facility that Wave Publication previously reported.
More than 20 members of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant July 17 at the Parter Medical Products facility in Carson, working with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Prosecutors allege the company knew some employees were exposed to elevated levels of ethylene oxide but failed to take adequate steps to address the danger. The company then allegedly attempted to mask the risk through falsified documentation and illegal waste practices.
Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas linked to cancer, reproductive harm and neurological damage. Its odor is undetectable until it reaches harmful concentrations.
“This case sends a clear message: If you expose your workers to dangerous chemicals and then falsify records or mislead regulators, we will come after you,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
“Ethylene oxide is linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Companies that cut corners and conceal hazards not only endanger lives, they violate the public’s trust.”
Foroughi, 61, serves as president of the company. Elmaziati, 44, serves as manager. Both are scheduled for arraignment Aug. 5 in Department 12 of the Compton Courthouse.
Prosecutors are seeking $125,000 bail for each defendant. If convicted, both face up to six years in state prison.
The company operates as Parter Sterilization Services and provides medical equipment sterilization using ethylene oxide gas.
Assistant Head Deputy Daniel Wright of the Environmental Crimes Division is prosecuting the case. The District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
