PCB Lawsuit [December 2024 Guide] | PCB Exposure & Health Effects

A coalition of activists is seeking current and former students and staff from six Hartford public schools to join a lawsuit alleging a connection between cancer diagnoses and prolonged exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxic chemicals found in the schools.

The lawsuit focuses on PCB contamination in schools such as John C. Clark Elementary, which was shut down in 2015 after PCB levels were found to exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety limits.

Middle School, Environmental Sciences Magnet School, and several others underwent renovations to remove PCBs during the 2010s.

Attorney Aaron Romano emphasized the severity of the case, noting that some people may have faced years of exposure to PCBs, which have been linked to cancer, immune issues, and other serious health problems.

In 2015, the city of Hartford sued chemical manufacturer Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, over PCB cleanup costs at Clark Elementary.

The EPA had found extensive contamination in the school’s air systems and building materials, leading to a complete shutdown of the facility.

Although the district has since completed renovations, many former employees and students continue to express concerns about their health.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

A recent investigation by a North Carolina news outlet has revealed that more than 240 schools in the local area may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), a chemical linked to cancer and other serious health issues.

PCBs were widely used in building materials before being banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1979.

Scientists estimate that 50,000 K-12 schools nationwide, including approximately one-third of all K-12 schools, may have been constructed with materials containing PCBs.

The discovery of high PCB levels at N.C. State’s Poe Hall, which led to the closure of the building, has heightened concerns.

Over 200 individuals who worked or studied at Poe Hall have reported cancer diagnoses, prompting further scrutiny of other buildings constructed before the PCB ban.

In Vermont, a similar situation at Burlington High School led to a statewide mandate requiring PCB testing in schools built or renovated before 1979.

Vermont’s testing program has identified PCB contamination in nearly one-third of schools tested, with some areas deemed unusable due to elevated levels.

Despite the significant risks associated with PCB exposure, many states, including North Carolina, do not require schools to test for PCBs.

As the awareness of PCB contamination in schools grows, the legal landscape is likely to evolve.

Schools, municipalities, and possibly construction and manufacturing companies could face litigation for failing to identify and mitigate PCB risks.

The precedent set by recent lawsuits involving PCB exposure in schools and other buildings underscores the potential for significant legal actions as more cases of PCB-related illnesses come to light.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

A recent study highlights the dangers of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), specifically PCB 126, as a significant contributor to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and more severe conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

The study involved exposing adult male mice to PCB 126, which resulted in lipid accumulation in the liver and the development of steatosis and fibrosis, key indicators of NASH.

Researchers discovered that PCB 126 exposure upregulated specific microRNAs, miR-155, and miR-34a, which play crucial roles in promoting inflammation and impairing lipid metabolism in the liver.

These findings suggest that PCBs not only disrupt normal liver function but also contribute to the progression of serious hepatic conditions.

This research could pave the way for developing new diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with PCB exposure.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

Vermont’s statewide PCB testing initiative continues to pose significant logistical and financial challenges for schools.

This program, mandated to identify and mitigate PCB contamination in schools built before 1980, has revealed high levels of toxic chemicals in numerous school buildings, leading to extensive and costly remediation efforts.

Many schools, including North Country Union High School, are grappling with high levels of airborne PCBs.

These toxic chemicals, found in materials like caulk and paint, pose serious health risks.

North Country is undergoing a $5 million remediation project, yet uncertainty remains as test results won’t be available until after the school year begins.

This delay forces administrators to prepare alternative plans if parts of the building remain unsafe.

The PCB testing program has impacted several districts across Vermont.

Schools have faced classroom closures, limited use of facilities, and significant disruptions to normal operations.

The delays in receiving test results and authorization for remediation work have compounded these challenges, leaving many schools in a state of limbo.

The cost of PCB mitigation is straining school budgets.

Vermont’s legislature allocated funds for PCB remediation, but these are quickly depleting.

North Country’s recent project will consume a significant portion of the remaining funds, leaving limited resources for other affected schools.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed an $85.2 million plan to remediate PCB contamination in Choccolocco Creek, Alabama.

The cleanup will involve removing contaminated soil and creek bed sediments where the creek flows into the Coosa River at Logan Martin Lake.

PCBs, which are known carcinogens, were manufactured by a chemical plant in Anniston, Alabama, from 1929 until 1971.

The plant was initially operated by Monsanto and is now run by Solutia, a subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company.

The plan includes digging out contaminated soil from industrial and residential properties and dredging sediments from Choccolocco Creek and its banks.

Public input is crucial for advocating comprehensive removal of PCBs and effective public notifications.

The cleanup is expected to take years, with estimates ranging from 10 to 40 years depending on various factors, including property access and the thoroughness of the remediation efforts.

The EPA’s proposed plan for cleaning up PCB contamination in Choccolocco Creek aims to address a long-standing environmental and public health issue.

The community and environmental groups are actively participating in the process to ensure a thorough cleanup and ongoing protection of the environment.

PCB production resulted in widespread environmental and health problems for the community of Anniston.

Monsanto agreed to a settlement of $700 million in 2003, aimed at compensating the affected residents and funding environmental cleanup efforts.

Bayer AG has agreed to pay $160 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the city of Seattle over polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contamination.

This settlement resolves claims that Monsanto, a Bayer subsidiary, polluted Seattle’s storm-water drainage system and the Duwamish River with PCBs, which have been banned in the United States since 1979 due to their environmental and health hazards.

Seattle accused Monsanto of creating a public nuisance by manufacturing and marketing PCBs, which led to the contamination.

The settlement, announced on Thursday, preempts a federal court trial scheduled for September in Seattle.

The company emphasized that it did not manufacture PCBs in Seattle and had ceased PCB production nearly five decades ago.

The settlement includes $35 million allocated for contamination cleanup and $125 million to reimburse Seattle for its contributions to the Superfund cleanup of the Duwamish River.

This settlement is part of Bayer’s broader efforts to address PCB contamination claims across the United States.

Estimates include Bayer’s potential exposure in PCB-related claims could exceed $2.5 billion.

To date, Bayer has paid approximately $650 million to resolve similar cases involving polluted waterways.

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating PCB exposure in schools, addressing similar contamination concerns. 

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson announced his retirement at the end of the 2024-25 school year; this decision comes amid ongoing issues related to PCB contamination at Poe Hall.

In November 2023, Poe Hall was closed after testing revealed high levels of PCBs, chemicals linked to cancer.

N.C. State University is actively addressing the PCB contamination at Poe Hall.

Efforts include extensive testing, air quality assessments, and thorough cleaning to ensure campus safety.

The university has improved communication with affected individuals through a dedicated website for updates and resources.

A February health study in collaboration with the CDC and NIOSH is ongoing to assess the potential health impacts on Poe Hall occupants.

In June, the university announced plans to renovate Poe Hall.

WRAL 5 On Your Side reported that over 210 individuals, including former students and staff, believe their cancer is linked to time spent in Poe Hall. 

Testing in 2023 found PCB levels 38 times higher than EPA safety standards.

The university failed to respond to EPA efforts to address the contamination and did not test the interior of Poe Hall until 2023, despite knowing about exterior contamination since 2018.

The university also withdrew from a federal health investigation, prompting a vote of no confidence against Woodson.

Woodson stated that the university is working with the EPA and NIOSH to remediate the building.

However, he did not provide a cost estimate for repairs.

NIOSH is conducting a Health Hazard Evaluation of Poe Hall, but concerns remain for students affected by the contamination.

The handling of the Poe Hall contamination has led to public outrage and demands for accountability.

Students and staff continue to seek justice and remediation for the health impacts they have experienced.

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating PCB exposure in schools, addressing similar contamination concerns. 

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), harmful industrial chemicals, have been found in several school buildings constructed before 1980, posing significant health risks.

These chemicals were commonly used in building materials like caulk and fluorescent light fixtures.

As these materials degrade, PCBs are released as vapor or dust, which can be inhaled by students and staff.

In Hartford, Vermont, state air quality testing revealed PCB contamination in 28 rooms across Hartford High School and the career and technical center buildings.

Nine rooms exceeded the safety threshold, necessitating evacuation, while 19 others required restricted use and increased airflow to minimize exposure.

This follows Act 74, a 2021 Vermont mandate requiring all pre-1980 school buildings to be tested for PCBs. Over 40 schools in Vermont have reported unsafe PCB levels.

PCBs are linked to cancer, reproductive issues, immune system suppression, and thyroid hormone disruptions.

The health risks are substantial for both children and adults, with the highest concerns in environments like schools where exposure can be prolonged and continuous.

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating PCB exposure in schools, addressing similar contamination concerns. 

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

Significant steps are being taken to address the contamination in response to the discovery of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at NC State University’s Poe Hall.

Detected during preliminary tests in November, PCBs—banned in the U.S. since 1979 due to their cancer risk—necessitated the closure of the building out of caution.

The potential health effects of PCB exposure include cancer, immune effects, reproductive risks, neurological issues, and endocrine effects.

While PCBs were originally used in construction materials, they have since led to large legislative action.

The North Carolina House recently proposed allocating up to $180 million for renovations, starting with an initial $5 million for design and engineering in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Chancellor Randy Woodson of NC State has highlighted ongoing costs for testing and anticipates the building will remain closed through the year’s end.

Further testing identified the PCBs within the building’s HVAC system’s insulation, with concentrations ranging widely from 0.91 to 53,000 ppm.

Federal regulations mandate the removal of materials containing PCB concentrations over 500 ppm once identified.

The university is committed to complying with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, balancing the costs of extensive renovations against the potential need for new construction.

Chancellor Woodson remarked on the financial challenges, noting the lack of substantial funds for either scenario.

As NC State plans its next steps, including possible expedited renovations, the university community and stakeholders await further updates on the remediation efforts and the future of Poe Hall.

If you or a loved one has suffered from health problems as a result of PCB exposure in a school building, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the PCB Exposure Lawsuit instantly.

In a recent ruling, a North Carolina state appeals court ordered North Carolina State University to permit an independent investigation into Poe Hall, following persistent concerns over air quality and potential PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) contamination.

This decision, rendered on June 5, 2024, mandates thorough testing by an independent investigator, particularly focusing on the building’s HVAC supply ducts, identified as a primary source of PCB exposure.

Polychlorinated biphenyls, commonly known as PCBs, are industrial chemicals linked to Cancer, Reproductive and developmental toxicity, Fatty liver, Genotoxicity, and other Immunosuppressive effects.

Although recent tests indicated that PCB levels in Poe Hall do not surpass the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety thresholds, the university took preemptive action by closing the facility in November of the previous year after initial tests confirmed the presence of these carcinogens.

The forthcoming independent investigation will aim to provide a conclusive analysis of the contamination levels and potential health risks posed by prolonged exposure to PCBs within Poe Hall.

As the investigation progresses, the findings could have considerable implications for future regulatory actions and health safety standards, not only for North Carolina State University but for similar institutions facing related challenges.

If you or a loved one has suffered from health problems as a result of PCB exposure in a school building, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the PCB Exposure Lawsuit instantly.

Recent testing at Poe Hall on the campus of North Carolina State University, conducted with the HVAC system operational, confirms that levels of the PCB compound Aroclor-1262 remain below the EPA’s safety thresholds for school indoor environments, despite a detectable increase from earlier measures.

This second phase of testing identified a gold-colored insulation sealant used in the supply ducts as the likely primary source of these PCBs.

PCBs disrupt thyroid and reproductive function in both men and women and elevate the risk of cardiovascular and liver diseases, as well as diabetes, women exposed to PCBs face an increased likelihood of delivering low-birth-weight infants.

PCBs were used in the construction materials of school buildings nationwide, from elementary schools to universities.

These chemicals were often placed in caulking, sealants, window glazings, fluorescent light ballasts, and other materials due to their strength and elasticity.

Despite their widespread use and purpose in construction, PCBs have been associated with serious health issues.

PCBs were banned by the government in the late 1970s but remain a health risk to this day.

If you or a loved one has suffered from health problems as a result of PCB exposure in a school building, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the PCB Exposure Lawsuit instantly. 

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Glenn Yamahiro recently ruled in favor of continuing the City of Milwaukee’s lawsuit against Monsanto and several other companies.

The litigation centers on allegations that these companies contaminated Milwaukee’s water systems with PCBs—polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

PCBs, banned in the late 1970s, have been linked to various cancers and other severe health issues in humans and animals.

The lawsuit, initiated by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and the city in September, accuses Monsanto of hiding the dangers of PCBs despite knowing their toxic effects since the 1930s.

The city alleges that PCBs were introduced into the environment through various industrial activities, including the use of Milorganite, a fertilizer previously employed in county parks and school fields.

Monsanto has dismissed the lawsuit as baseless, asserting that they ceased PCB production nearly half a century ago and were not involved in manufacturing or disposing of PCBs in the Milwaukee area.

During the court proceedings, Monsanto’s defense attorney argued that the claims were not only untimely but also misapplied, suggesting no liability for Monsanto due to the absence of new conduct or harm.

The Judge rejected the motion to dismiss emphasizing that the case concerns the inherent dangers of PCBs, not their design.

He also challenged the defense’s interpretation of nuisance law, indicating that the inability to detect contamination through the senses does not invalidate the nuisance claim.

The city and the sewerage district, representing about 1.1 million residents, are seeking substantial compensation for the costs of cleaning up PCB contamination.

Cleanup efforts have been extensive, involving the EPA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and have nearly exhausted a local disposal facility.

A status conference for the lawsuit is scheduled for June 17, as the city continues to argue for the ongoing harm caused by PCB contamination, which they claim makes each day a new cause of action..

The PCB lawsuit is ongoing. 

Vermont’s statewide initiative to test and mitigate PCB contamination in public schools continues to reveal concerning levels of the toxic chemical, especially at schools built or renovated before 1980.

The initiative is an ongoing effort mandated by the state legislature in 2021.

The program specifically targets schools constructed or renovated prior to 1980, following the discovery of PCBs at Burlington High School.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has conducted PCB air quality tests in 19 schools.

Out of these, seven schools have been identified with PCB contamination in various spaces, with two of these schools showing levels of PCBs that necessitated immediate intervention.

Recently, PCB testing at Bellows Falls Union High School revealed elevated PCB levels that exceed state safety thresholds.

Bellows Falls Union High School has encountered significant PCB contamination in various parts of the building, prompting immediate and extensive remediation efforts.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, which is overseeing the PCB testing program, has indicated that the contamination at Bellows Falls is among the highest recorded in the state’s ongoing environmental initiative.

The PCB lawsuit is ongoing. 

The judge overseeing the PCB Lawsuits filed against Monsanto in Washington State has reduced the punitive damages awarded to several students and parents who were exposed to PCBs in a Seattle area school from $857 million to $438 million.

The original judgment included $73 million in compensatory damages and $784 million in punitive damages, awarded to seven former students and parent volunteers who experienced neurological and endocrine system disorders attributed to PCB exposure.

Despite maintaining the compensatory damages, the court reduced the punitive damages to $365 million, approximately five times the compensatory amount, and adjusted the total by an additional $1.5 million to reflect a related settlement.

This adjustment follows Monsanto’s argument that the initial punitive damages were unconstitutionally excessive, referencing U.S. Supreme Court guidelines that punitive damages should not exceed nine times the compensatory damages.

A company spokesperson indicated plans to appeal, arguing that the awarded sum is still disproportionate and that the plaintiffs were not exposed to unsafe PCB levels.

This legal stance comes amid ongoing lawsuits alleging that PCB exposure at the Sky Valley center has led to severe health issues, including cancer and thyroid conditions.

Our law firm is currently investigating PCB exposure in St. Louis area schools. 

If you’ve been exposed to PCBs and developed related health problems, you may be eligible to file a claim. 

Contact our law firm for more information

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) contamination at the North Austin Community Center in Chicago.

This cleanup process, which began last week, is anticipated to last four to six weeks.

PCBs, hazardous chemical compounds previously used in various industrial applications, have been linked to numerous health risks, prompting their ban in the United States in 1979.

The contamination at the North Austin Community Center, which opened its doors in early 2023, poses potential health risks.

The cleanup involves excavating contaminated areas and placing clean stone, concrete, asphalt, and topsoil to restore the surfaces.

The extracted contaminated material will be transported to permitted landfills for safe disposal.

To ensure public safety, the EPA has fenced off the site to restrict access and is actively monitoring the air quality around the area.

Maine has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto in Cumberland County Superior Court, alleging that the company knowingly sold products containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that have significantly contaminated the environment.

This legal action adds to a growing list of cases targeting Monsanto for its role in producing PCB-laden products.

PCBs, used in various building materials and electrical components, have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and various other issues.

Despite being banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the 1970s, the presence of PCBs in Maine has led to widespread fish consumption advisories due to ongoing environmental hazards.

The lawsuit claims that Monsanto was aware of the detrimental effects of PCBs long before the ban but continued to profit from their sale.

Maine’s Attorney General emphasized that evidence points to Monsanto’s deliberate disregard for public health and the environment by continuing to market harmful chemicals.

In response, Monsanto contends that the lawsuit is without merit, stating that it had ceased PCB production fifty years ago.

The company also clarified that any PCB-containing products found in Maine would have originated from third-party manufacturers, as Monsanto did not directly manufacture or dispose of PCBs within the state.

Previous cases include Vermont’s lawsuit against Monsanto last year concerning natural resource contamination, which marked the beginning of state-level legal challenges.

In a notable settlement, Bayer agreed to pay Oregon $698 million in 2022 to resolve similar allegations of PCB pollution.

Maine seeks to recover damages for the extensive cleanup required for 400 miles of its rivers and streams, as well as 1.8 million ocean acres, currently affected by PCB contamination.

The State of Oregon has achieved a historic settlement with Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, resolving a lawsuit over PCB contamination for $698 million.

This settlement marks the largest environmental damage recovery in Oregon’s history, according to Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2018, addressed Monsanto’s PCB production which lasted until 1977, two years before the chemicals were banned due to their environmental and health risks.

Monsanto’s PCBs, used in various products such as paint and hydraulic fluids, have left a lasting impact on Oregon’s environment, contaminating landfills, riverbeds, and affecting local wildlife.

This contamination persists, posing risks to fish and, subsequently, to larger predators and humans who consume these fish, reflecting the chemicals’ enduring presence in the ecosystem.

The settlement is the largest environmental damage recovery in Oregon’s history and “magnitudes larger” than any other state settlement.

This settlement significantly surpasses previous PCB Lawsuit resolutions with other states, emphasizing Oregon’s severe PCB pollution challenges.

Portland’s harbor area was particularly heavily utilized for industrial activities reliant on PCBs.

The funds from this settlement are earmarked for comprehensive environmental remediation efforts across the state, including projects for natural resource damage assessment, air and water quality improvement, contaminated site cleanups, as well as wildlife habitat protection.

The city of Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto, now owned by Bayer Co., claiming the company is responsible for PCB contamination in the city’s waterways.

The lawsuit filed in the L.A. County Superior Court aims to compel Monsanto to remediate the pollution and reimburse the city for prior cleanup expenses.

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) are synthetic chemicals previously used across various industrial applications including hydraulic fluids and fireproofing materials.

PCBs were banned in 1979 under the Toxic Substances Control Act due to significant health and environmental hazards.

Monsanto’s production history of PCBs spans from 1929 to 1977, during which it reportedly manufactured over 99% of all PCBs used or sold in the U.S.

The lawsuit claims that Monsanto failed to disclose the environmental dangers of PCBs, leading to widespread contamination of stormwater, wastewater systems, and surface waters in Los Angeles.

In response, Bayer contends the lawsuit lacks merit, emphasizing that Monsanto voluntarily ceased PCB production over four decades ago.

Bayer argues that Monsanto never directly discharged PCBs into Los Angeles’ waters and should not be held liable for the alleged contamination.

More than 150 cancer cases may be potentially linked to PCB contamination at Poe Hall, a building on the campus of North Carolina State University.

PCBs were first discovered during the 2018 Waterproofing Project of the building.

PCBs, classified as “probable human carcinogens” by the EPA, were found in the building’s materials, prompting closures and comprehensive testing.

Initial concerns were raised in August 2023, with further tests revealing high levels of PCB in caulk samples from a 2018 project.

The university, working with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is conducting a health evaluation while providing updates via a dedicated website.

In March of 2024 N.C. State hosted an informational webinar for its faculty, staff and students in the College of Education and Department of Psychology.

Poe Hall, constructed in 1971, is facing scrutiny due to its historical PCB usage and its potential impact on the health of past students and staff.

Our law firm is currently investigating PCB exposure in St. Louis area schools. 

If you’ve been exposed to PCBs and developed related health problems, you may be eligible to file a claim. 

Contact our law firm for more information.

North Carolina State University is facing scrutiny over the presence of cancer-causing PCBs in Poe Hall and D.H. Hill Jr. Library.

Contamination in Poe Hall was only publicized in the past year, but reports have indicated that the University knew about PCB contamination in its buildings since 2018.

These toxic contaminants, detected above EPA limits, pose severe health risks.

PCB exposure has been linked to cancer, immune system damage, and reproductive issues, among other serious health issues.

The University hired consultants to conduct testing during renovations, with findings indicating high PCB concentrations in exterior caulk.

Experts criticize NC State’s response, suggesting more action should have been taken upon initial detection.

PCB mixtures Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1268 were found, raising concerns about indoor air contamination.

NC State’s assertion that the HVAC system is the source of PCB contamination has been challenged.

Exterior caulk containing PCBs may lead to indoor pollution, persisting in building materials over time.

The lack of comprehensive testing in other areas of the buildings raises further concerns about potential health hazards.

Despite these findings, NC State does not routinely test for PCBs in buildings.

The recent PCB testing of Holladay Hall underscores ongoing efforts to address potential contamination risks.

Poe Hall has been associated with a breast cancer cluster potentially due to the presence of PCBs.

A memo revealed that over a 20-year period, among 100 to 200 employees, there were six reported cases of cancer, with four being breast cancer cases, one lung cancer case, and one papillary thyroid carcinoma case.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation if you have been exposed to PCBs in a school setting.

PCB contamination at Poe Hall on North Carolina State University’s campus continues to make news headlines.

Inside Higher Ed has published an in-depth report on PCB contamination at Poe Hall, interviewing faculty, university spokespersons, and people who worked and went to class in the Poe Hall building.

N.C. State University has made significant strides in addressing the PCB contamination discovered at Poe Hall.

Extensive testing and remediation efforts are underway, including air quality assessments and deep cleaning to ensure the safety of the campus community.

The university has improved communication with affected individuals, launching a dedicated website for updates and support resources.

A collaborative health study with the CDC and NIOSH is in progress to evaluate the potential health impacts on Poe Hall occupants.

Legal inquiries have just begun, focusing on the university’s handling of the contamination.

Chancellor Randy Woodson reaffirmed the university’s commitment to transparency and the health and safety of the N.C. State community.

Poe Hall will remain closed for remediation, with the university reviewing its environmental health protocols to prevent future incidents from occurring.

These actions reflect N.C. State’s dedication to resolving the contamination issue and safeguarding its community.

The City of East St. Louis is seeking more than $3 billion from Monsanto for contamination resulting from Monsanto’s manufacturing and disposal in Sauget, with claims of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) leaking into the environment..

In 2021, the city filed nine public nuisance complaints against Monsanto and its affiliates seeking fines of $500 per day per parcel owned by the city from 1973 to 2003, and $750 per day per parcel after 2003.

“Per day per parcel” means that the fines sought are calculated based on a daily rate for each individual property owned by the City of East St. Louis.

Monsanto removed the citations to U.S. District Court, where Magistrate Judge Gilbert Sison consolidated the claims, which District Judge David Dugan will now oversee.

Monsanto has requested specific amounts from the city for damages related to injury to land and natural resources, costs of remediation and abatement, unjust enrichment and penalties.

City counsel noted that calculations for damages require expert testimony.

Monsanto had previously moved to disqualify the city’s outside counsel due to a claimed conflict of interest, but a ruling is pending from Judge Dugan.

Individuals in the East St. Louis/Sauget area may be affected by PCBs through environmental contaminants.

The investigation into PCB Lawsuits continues, and our attorneys are focused on PCB exposure in schools that used fluorescent lighting fixtures that contained these toxic chemicals.

North Carolina State University recently detected hazardous levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Poe Hall, prompting an immediate shutdown of the building and relocation of activities.

PCBs are common in buildings built before 1979, such as schools, due to their extensive use in old electrical equipment and construction materials.

In response to the discovery, the university engaged Geosyntec, an environmental consulting and engineering firm, revealing that indoor air PCB levels fell below EPA exposure guidelines.

However, samples showed detectable PCB levels, with higher concentrations found between the third and seventh floors.

Additional testing will focus on the building’s ventilation system and construction materials to better understand potential exposure risks.

Moreover, university officials were asking the CDC to conduct an evaluation regarding a breast cancer cluster at the Universities poe hall.

A breast cancer cluster refers to a situation where a higher than expected number of breast cancer cases occur within a specific geographic area within a specific time frame.

The term “cluster” suggests that the cases are not random but may be linked due to a common environmental factor such as PCB exposure.

Long term PCB exposure results in a significant accumulation within the body, leading to an increased chance of developing cancer and other adverse health risks.

Individuals affected by PCB exposure may qualify for legal support.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

The investigation into PCB Lawsuits continues, and our attorneys are focused on PCB exposure in schools that used fluorescent lighting fixtures that contained these toxic chemicals.

The Lee Select Board plans to refile a lawsuit against the current owners of the former PCB manufacturer, Monsanto, and has presented compelling evidence to support its case.

The town points to a 1972 agreement in which General Electric (GE) agreed not to sue Monsanto for claims arising from environmental and health harm caused by the chemicals used in power transformers in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and dumped into the Housatonic River.

This agreement is seen as evidence that GE and Monsanto may be liable for engaging in a civil conspiracy under state law.

The Lee Select Board argues that both companies knew of the harmful effects of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) on humans and the environment but continued to profit from their use.

This discovery was shared with state and federal officials, including President Joe Biden, local and national media, and is expected to be used in the upcoming lawsuit.

The town alleges that this agreement was not disclosed during negotiations for a 2020 cleanup plan with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Rest of River Municipal Committee.

They also believe that the agreement was not known to the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals when it denied activists’ attempts to halt the cleanup and landfill plans in Lee.

The Lee Select Board’s assertion of a conspiracy involving the GE-Monsanto agreement has not yet received a response from the state Attorney General’s Office.

However, the EPA has stated that the cleanup permit is final and affirmed by the courts, emphasizing that the toxicity of PCBs is the primary reason for the cleanup.

Monsanto has defended the 1972 agreement as a routine commercial agreement between two companies.

Monsanto contends that the agreement does not release any party from liability to third parties and has no impact on legal liability determined by courts or administrative agencies like the EPA.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim. 

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.