PCB Lawsuit: Exploring PCB Exposure And Its Health Effects

July 26, 2024

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

The settlement resolves claims that Monsanto, a subsidiary of Bayer, polluted Seattle’s storm-water drainage system and the Duwamish River with PCBs.

These chemicals have been banned in the United States since 1979 due to their environmental and health risks.

Seattle accused Monsanto of creating a public nuisance by producing and marketing PCBs, leading to the contamination.

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

Bayer emphasized that it did not manufacture PCBs in Seattle and ceased PCB production nearly fifty years ago.

The settlement includes $35 million 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. Bayer’s potential exposure in PCB-related claims is estimated to exceed $2.5 billion.

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

Individuals who believe they have suffered health complications due to PCB exposure in educational facilities might consider legal action. 

To determine your eligibility for a PCB Exposure Lawsuit, contact us or use the chatbot on this page for immediate assistance.

July 18, 2024

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

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

N.C. State University is addressing the PCB contamination at Poe Hall through extensive testing, air quality assessments, and thorough cleaning to ensure campus safety.

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

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

In June, the university announced renovation plans for 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’s withdrawal from a federal health investigation led to a vote of no confidence against Woodson.

Woodson stated that the university is working with the EPA and NIOSH to remediate the building but did not provide a cost estimate for repairs.

NIOSH is conducting a Health Hazard Evaluation of Poe Hall, yet 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.

Individuals who believe they have suffered health complications due to PCB exposure in educational facilities might consider legal action. 

To determine your eligibility for a PCB Exposure Lawsuit, contact us or use the chatbot on this page for immediate assistance.

June 26, 2024

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

PCBs were commonly used in building materials such as 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 detected PCB contamination in 28 rooms at Hartford High School and the career and technical center buildings.

Nine rooms exceeded safety thresholds, requiring evacuation, while 19 rooms needed restricted use and increased airflow to reduce exposure.

This follows Act 74, a 2021 Vermont law mandating PCB testing in all pre-1980 school buildings.

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, especially in schools where exposure can be prolonged and continuous.

Individuals who believe they have suffered health complications due to PCB exposure in educational facilities might consider legal action. 

To determine your eligibility for a PCB Exposure Lawsuit, contact us or use the chatbot on this page for immediate assistance.

June 18, 2024

Significant measures are underway to address contamination following the discovery of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at NC State University’s Poe Hall.

PCBs were detected during preliminary tests in November; these chemicals, banned in the U.S. since 1979 due to their carcinogenic risks, led to the precautionary closure of the building.

PCB exposure can cause cancer, immune system effects, reproductive issues, neurological problems, and endocrine disruption.

Initially used in construction materials, PCBs have prompted extensive legislative action.

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

Chancellor Randy Woodson of NC State has noted ongoing testing costs and expects the building will remain closed through the end of the year.

Further tests revealed PCBs in the HVAC system’s insulation, with concentrations ranging from 0.91 to 53,000 ppm.

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

The university is dedicated to adhering to all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, balancing renovation costs against the potential need for new construction.

Chancellor Woodson highlighted the financial challenges, citing the lack of substantial funds for either option.

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.

Individuals who believe they have suffered health complications due to PCB exposure in educational facilities might consider legal action. 

To determine your eligibility for a PCB Exposure Lawsuit, contact us or use the chatbot on this page for immediate assistance.

June 6, 2024

On June 5, 2024, a state appeals court in North Carolina directed North Carolina State University to allow an independent probe into Poe Hall, citing ongoing air quality concerns and possible contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The court’s mandate includes comprehensive testing by an external expert, with a specific focus on the building’s HVAC supply ducts, a noted source of PCB exposure.

Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are industrial chemicals associated with cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, fatty liver, genotoxicity, and immunosuppression.

Despite tests indicating that PCB levels at Poe Hall fall below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety standards, the university preemptively closed the building in November of the previous year following initial test results confirming the presence of these harmful substances.

The upcoming independent investigation seeks to definitively determine the contamination levels and assess the health risks associated with prolonged PCB exposure in Poe Hall.

The results could significantly influence future regulatory measures and health safety protocols, potentially affecting not only North Carolina State University but also other institutions facing similar issues.

Individuals who believe they have suffered health complications due to PCB exposure in educational facilities might consider legal action. 

To determine your eligibility for a PCB Exposure Lawsuit, contact us or use the chatbot on this page for immediate assistance.

June 4, 2024

Recent investigations at North Carolina State University’s Poe Hall have reaffirmed that levels of Aroclor-1262, a PCB compound, are maintained below the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety standards for indoor school environments.

These findings emerged during the second testing phase with the HVAC system active, revealing a slight elevation in PCB concentrations compared to prior assessments.

The source of PCBs has been identified as gold-colored insulation sealant within the HVAC supply ducts.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), known to interfere with thyroid and reproductive functions, increase risks of cardiovascular and liver diseases, and diabetes.

Historically, PCBs were incorporated into construction materials such as caulking and sealants, prevalent from elementary schools to universities for their durability and flexibility.

Despite their utility, these chemicals have been linked to significant health concerns, prompting a government ban in the late 1970s.

Nevertheless, they continue to pose health risks.

If you or a loved one has experienced adverse health conditions after being exposed to PCB chemicals, contact TruLawsuit Info today using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation.

May 30, 2024

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Glenn Yamahiro has decided to allow the City of Milwaukee’s lawsuit against Monsanto and several other firms to proceed.

This case revolves around claims that these companies polluted Milwaukee’s water systems with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), substances banned in the late 1970s linked to various cancers and severe health conditions in both humans and animals.

The litigation, initiated in September by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and the city, accuses Monsanto of concealing the risks of PCBs, knowing their harmful effects since the 1930s.

The city claims PCBs entered the environment through industrial activities, including the use of Milorganite, a fertilizer once used in county parks and school fields.

Monsanto has rejected the claims, stating they stopped producing PCBs nearly 50 years ago and had no involvement in the manufacturing or disposal of PCBs in the Milwaukee region.

During the court proceedings, Monsanto’s defense attorney argued that the claims were not only outdated but also improperly applied, asserting that Monsanto could not be held liable in the absence of recent conduct or harm.

Judge Yamahiro dismissed Monsanto’s motion to end the lawsuit, clarifying that the legal issue is the inherent risk of PCBs, not their design.

He also countered the defense’s interpretation of nuisance law, noting that just because contamination cannot be detected by the senses does not mean the nuisance claim is invalid.

The city and the sewerage district, representing approximately 1.1 million residents, are seeking significant damages to cover the costs of PCB cleanup.

These efforts have involved both the EPA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and have nearly depleted a local disposal facility.

A status conference for the case is scheduled for June 17, as the city continues to assert that the ongoing PCB contamination constitutes a continuing cause of action due to its persistent harm.

If you or someone you know has experienced health issues due to PCB exposure in schools around the St. Louis area, you might be eligible to initiate a claim. 

Contact us for a no-cost consultation, or utilize the chatbot on this page to instantly check if you qualify for the PCB Exposure Lawsuit.

May 17, 2024

The PCB lawsuit is ongoing.

A bill intended to halt Vermont’s school PCB testing program failed in the state senate, as it was not presented for a vote before the end of the legislative session.

The Senate President decided against bringing the bill to vote, expressing concerns that pausing the testing could adversely affect an ongoing lawsuit against PCB producer Monsanto.

furthermore, recent changes in oversight by the Agency of Natural Resources made the legislative pause redundant, given the agency’s commitment to revising the testing protocol.

The intended PCB testing initiative in Vermont aims to evaluate older educational buildings for toxic PCB chemicals in the indoor air, with the goal of identifying and addressing high levels of PCBs to ensure the safety of school environments.

If you or someone you know has experienced health issues due to PCB exposure in schools around the St. Louis area, you might be eligible to initiate a claim. 

Contact us for a no-cost consultation, or utilize the chatbot on this page to instantly check if you qualify for the PCB Exposure Lawsuit.

May 13, 2024

Vermont’s initiative to assess and address PCB contamination in public schools, particularly those built or renovated before 1980, continues to expose alarming levels of this hazardous chemical.

This state-mandated program, initiated by the legislature in 2021, aims to identify and mitigate PCB presence following its initial discovery at Burlington High School.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has conducted air quality tests for PCBs in 19 schools across the state.

Findings indicate that seven of these schools have spaces contaminated with PCBs.

Notably, two schools have reported contamination levels high enough to require immediate action.

Recent testing at Bellows Falls Union High School has shown PCB concentrations surpassing state safety standards, marking some of the most severe levels found to date in Vermont’s ongoing environmental health campaign.

The school is undergoing extensive remediation efforts to address the significant contamination detected in various building areas.

The findings from this initiative not only underscore the ongoing challenges of managing PCB contamination but also highlight the critical need for comprehensive environmental safety measures in schools to protect public health.

May 1, 2024

Monroe Teachers’ $185M Monsanto Verdict Overturned on Appeal

A state appeals court judge has overturned a $185 million jury verdict awarded to three former teachers at the Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe, alleging exposure to toxic chemicals at the school left them with permanent health defects.

The ruling potentially sends the case back to King County for another trial, but the plaintiffs could first take their case to the state Supreme Court.

Details of the Original Jury Verdict

After a seven-week trial in 2021, a King County jury found Monsanto liable for the contamination at the school.

It awarded damages to the three teachers — Kerry Erickson, Michelle Leahy, and Joyce Marquardt.

They were the first of hundreds of teachers, students, and their families to go to trial over their exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, that leaked from light ballasts in the school.

For compensatory damages, the jury awarded $15 million each to Erickson, $18 million to Leahy, and $17 million to Marquardt.

On top of that, the jury also agreed to award each with $45 million in punitive damages.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys successfully argued Monsanto should be subject to the law in Missouri, where Monsanto is based, as Washington does not allow punitive damages in this type of case.

In a statement, Monsanto called the ruling “very significant.”

The company said it will consider its legal options regarding the application of this ruling to other SVEC verdicts that conflict with it and how this ruling could affect any future trials.

April 24, 2024:

The PCB Lawsuit is ongoing.

In the PCB Lawsuit against Monsanto in Washington State, the presiding judge has decreased the punitive damages previously awarded from $857 million to $438 million.

The legal proceedings involve several students and parents exposed to PCBs at a school in the Seattle area.

Initially, the court granted $73 million in compensatory damages and $784 million in punitive damages to seven former students and parent volunteers suffering from neurological and endocrine system disorders due to PCB exposure.

The court upheld the compensatory damages but slashed the punitive damages to $365 million, about five times the compensatory amount.

Additionally, the judge modified the total damages by $1.5 million to account for a related settlement.

The reduction came after Monsanto contended that the original punitive damages were excessively high, citing U.S. Supreme Court guidelines stipulating that punitive damages should not surpass nine times the compensatory damages.

Despite the reduction, a Monsanto spokesperson announced intentions to appeal, maintaining that the punitive damages remain disproportionate and denying that the plaintiffs were exposed to hazardous levels of PCBs.

This case is part of broader ongoing PCB Lawsuit litigation, alleging severe health issues, including cancer and thyroid conditions, due to PCB exposure at the Sky Valley center.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to PCBs and have suffered negative health issues, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Call today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant PCB lawsuit case evaluation.

April 15, 2024:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a project to remove contamination from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at the North Austin Community Center in Chicago.

This cleanup effort started last week and is expected to continue for about four to six weeks.

PCBs are toxic chemical compounds once used in various industries. Due to their association with numerous health hazards, they were banned in the United States in 1979.

Since the North Austin Community Center opened in early 2023, the presence of PCBs has been a concern due to potential health risks.

The remediation process involves digging up contaminated areas and replacing them with clean stone, concrete, asphalt, and topsoil to rehabilitate the affected surfaces.

Materials contaminated with PCBs will be transported to approved landfills for secure disposal.

For the safety of the public, the EPA has enclosed the area with fencing to limit access and is actively checking the air quality nearby.

April 12, 2024:

Maine has initiated a legal suit against Monsanto in Cumberland County Superior Court, accusing the company of knowingly marketing products with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that have heavily polluted the environment.

This lawsuit joins an increasing number of legal actions against Monsanto for its involvement in distributing products containing PCBs.

Used in various construction materials and electrical components, PCBs have been associated with severe health problems, including cancer among others.

Despite the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ban on PCBs in the 1970s, their ongoing presence in Maine has necessitated broad fish consumption warnings due to persistent environmental risks.

The suit alleges that Monsanto was conscious of the harmful impacts of PCBs well before their prohibition but continued to profit from their sales.

Maine’s Attorney General has pointed out that there is evidence of Monsanto’s intentional negligence towards public health and the environment by persistently selling these dangerous chemicals.

Monsanto has disputed the claims, arguing that the lawsuit lacks foundation and noting that it stopped producing PCBs fifty years ago.

The company further explained that any PCBs found in Maine likely came from third-party sources since Monsanto did not directly produce or dispose of PCBs within the state.

This legal action follows similar cases, such as Vermont’s lawsuit last year regarding natural resource contamination, which marked the start of such state-level legal challenges.

In a significant development, Bayer, Monsanto’s parent company, settled with Oregon for $698 million in 2022 to address accusations of PCB pollution.

Maine is seeking compensation for the extensive remediation needed for 400 miles of its rivers and streams and 1.8 million ocean acres impacted by PCB contamination.

April 11, 2024:

The State of Oregon has reached a landmark settlement with Bayer, the corporate parent of Monsanto, agreeing to a $698 million resolution concerning a lawsuit over PCB contamination.

This agreement is noted as the most substantial environmental damage recovery in Oregon’s history, according to Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.

Launched in 2018, the lawsuit focused on Monsanto’s production of PCBs which concluded in 1977, shortly before the substances were banned in 1979 due to their harmful environmental and health impacts.

Monsanto’s PCBs, which were incorporated into products like paint and hydraulic fluids, have caused enduring environmental damage in Oregon, affecting landfills, riverbeds, and local wildlife.

The contamination continues to pose threats to fish, and subsequently to larger predators and humans who consume these fish, illustrating the persistent impact of the chemicals on the ecosystem.

This settlement not only represents the largest environmental recovery in Oregon’s history but also significantly exceeds the amounts settled in similar PCB lawsuits with other states, highlighting the gravity of PCB pollution issues faced by Oregon.

The settlement funds are designated for extensive environmental restoration efforts throughout the state, including initiatives for assessing natural resource damage, enhancing air and water quality, cleaning up contaminated sites, and protecting wildlife habitats.

April 10, 2024:

The City of Los Angeles has initiated a lawsuit against Monsanto, currently a part of Bayer Co., alleging responsibility for PCB contamination in the city’s water bodies.

The legal action, taken in the Superior Court of L.A. County, seeks to have Monsanto address the pollution and compensate the city for past cleaning costs.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made chemicals once utilized in various industries for products like hydraulic fluids and fireproofing materials.

Banned in 1979 by the Toxic Substances Control Act due to their severe health and environmental risks, PCBs were predominantly produced by Monsanto from 1929 to 1977, accounting for over 99% of PCBs used or sold in the U.S.

The lawsuit accuses Monsanto of concealing the environmental risks of PCBs, resulting in extensive contamination of Los Angeles’ stormwater, wastewater systems, and surface waters.

Bayer has dismissed the claims as baseless, noting that Monsanto voluntarily stopped producing PCBs more than forty years ago.

Bayer also maintains that Monsanto did not directly discharge PCBs into the waters of Los Angeles and argues that it should not be held accountable for the alleged contamination.

April 1, 2024:

Over 150 cancer cases could be linked to PCB contamination in Poe Hall, a facility at North Carolina State University. 

The presence of PCBs was initially detected during the building’s 2018 Waterproofing Project.

The EPA classifies PCBs as “probable human carcinogens,” and their discovery in building materials led to closures and detailed testing.

Concerns first emerged in August 2023, with subsequent tests indicating high PCB levels in caulk samples from the 2018 renovation.

The university is collaborating with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct a health evaluation and is providing updates through a dedicated website.

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

Built in 1971, Poe Hall is under investigation for its historical use of PCBs and their potential effects on former students and staff.

Our law firm is also looking into PCB exposure in schools around the St. Louis area.

If you have been exposed to PCBs and have suffered health issues as a result, you might be eligible to file a claim. 

Contact our law firm for more details.

March 25, 2024:

North Carolina State University is under scrutiny for the detection of carcinogenic PCBs in Poe Hall and D.H. Hill Jr. Library.

The university disclosed the contamination in Poe Hall only in the last year, despite knowing about the PCB presence in its facilities since 2018.

The presence of these toxic substances, exceeding EPA’s safety thresholds, presents significant health dangers.

Links exist between PCB exposure and various health problems, including cancer, immune system damage, and reproductive issues.

During renovations; the university enlisted consultants to perform tests, which revealed high levels of PCBs in the exterior caulk.

Critics argue that NC State should have taken more decisive measures when the PCBs were first identified.

The discovery of PCB mixtures Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1268 has heightened concerns about the risk of indoor air contamination.

Challenges have been made against NC State’s claim that the HVAC system is the primary source of PCB contamination.

The presence of PCBs in exterior caulk suggests the possibility of indoor pollution, as these compounds can linger in building materials.

The absence of thorough testing in other parts of the building amplifies concerns about potential health risks.

NC State, however, does not perform regular PCB testing in its buildings.

The recent PCB tests in Holladay Hall reflect continued efforts to manage contamination risks.

A link has been suggested between PCBs in Poe Hall and a cluster of breast cancer cases.

A memo disclosed that over two decades, among 100 to 200 employees, there were six cancer cases reported, including four cases of breast cancer, one of lung cancer, and one of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

For a free consultation regarding PCB exposure in school and work environments, contact us today. 

Or use the free ChatBot on this page for immediate feedback.

February 23, 2024:

North Carolina State University is currently addressing PCB contamination at Poe Hall, a concern that has gained attention in recent news.

Following reports by inside Higher Ed, which included interviews with faculty, university spokespersons, and Poe Hall occupants, the university has embarked on a comprehensive response plan.

This plan includes extensive testing and remediation efforts, such as air quality assessments and thorough cleaning, to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.

In addition to physical remediation efforts, N.C. State has enhanced communication with the campus community, notably through a dedicated website providing updates and support resources.

The university is also collaborating with the CDC and NIOSH on a health study to assess potential impacts on the health of individuals who spent time in Poe Hall.

Legal inquiries into the university’s handling of the PCB contamination are underway.

Chancellor Randy Woodson has reiterated the university’s commitment to transparency and the well-being of the N.C. State community.

As part of its ongoing response, Poe Hall will remain closed for remediation, and the university is reviewing its environmental health protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

October 2, 2023:

Our legal team persists in exploring PCB lawsuits, with a particular emphasis on instances of PCB exposure in educational institutions that utilized fluorescent lighting fixtures containing these harmful substances.

Legal actions against Monsanto, presently a subsidiary of Bayer, over persistent PCB contamination in their water systems have been initiated by several municipalities and government entities.

The city of Milwaukee is one such entity that has lodged a lawsuit in response to the toxic effects of PCBs, industrial chemicals that were commonly used until they were outlawed in 1979.

Allegations by the city assert that Monsanto was the producer of nearly 99% of PCBs sold within the United States, and they deliberately hid the dangers associated with these cancer-causing compounds.

PCBs, due to their resistance to degradation, persist in the environment and pose significant hazards to humans consuming PCB-tainted fish or shellfish.

The City of Milwaukee has initiated a lawsuit to recoup the substantial costs, running into millions of dollars, associated with the investigation and remediation of this PCB contamination.

The contamination in Milwaukee’s environment is attributed to a variety of sources and industrial applications, inclusive of construction materials and electrical apparatus.

Spearheading the lawsuit are the city itself, along with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), who collectively allege private and public nuisance, trespassing, and product liability, among other accusations.

The Milwaukee Estuary, along with its surrounding rivers, has been severely impacted by contamination, necessitating extensive sediment removal operations.

The establishment of a new disposal facility to manage this issue is projected to exceed $100 million in costs.

Furthermore, PCB contamination has been associated with Milorganite, a fertilizer derived from MMSD’s wastewater treatment plant’s recycled biosolids.

This association has led to significant financial setbacks.

Monsanto, presently known as Bayer, refutes any accountability for the PCB contamination in Milwaukee.

They assert that they neither produced nor disposed of PCBs in the region and discontinued lawful PCB production over four decades ago.

This lawsuit contributes to an ongoing series of legal proceedings against Monsanto and its parent company regarding product-related allegations.

This litigation contributes to an array of lawsuits targeting Monsanto and its parent corporation, with allegations tied to their products, such as the Roundup herbicide.

September 23, 2023:

The potential health impacts of PCB exposure in educational institutions that employ fluorescent lighting fixtures containing these hazardous substances are currently under rigorous examination by our team of legal experts.

Chicago has initiated legal proceedings against Monsanto Co., accusing the corporation of discharging polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the city’s environmental resources.

The lawsuit alleges that Monsanto, along with its co-defendants, knowingly discharged these hazardous chemicals while misrepresenting the associated risks to the public.

Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s Mayor, asserts that Monsanto’s actions have exacerbated environmental problems and disparities in various city neighborhoods.

The lawsuit serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to safeguarding its residents and natural resources.

In retaliation, Monsanto has dismissed the lawsuit as baseless, asserting that they neither produced nor disposed of PCBs in or around Chicago and halted production over four decades ago.

Moreover, Monsanto insinuates that Chicago itself could be liable for PCB discharges, citing more than 200 combined sewage outfalls that release into the Great Lakes watershed.

PCBs, prohibited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the late 1970s, were used in a variety of applications such as paint, electrical equipment, and sealants and persist in the environment.

Exposure to PCBs can lead to health complications like alterations to the liver, thyroid, and reproductive systems, decreased birth weights, and potential cancer links.

The lawsuit filed by Chicago aims to recover damages for costs incurred during the cleaning and remediation of PCB contamination within its boundaries and waterways.

September 17, 2023:

Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has secured a $100 million settlement from Monsanto, an agrochemical firm now under Bayer, for the widespread contamination of the state’s water bodies with PCBs spanning over half a century.

The contamination affected approximately 1,300 miles of streams and 3,600 acres of lakes.

The settlement funds, as stated by Secretary Rich Negrin, will be allocated to cover the costs already accrued due to the contamination and to facilitate further clean-up operations.

The lawsuit against Monsanto was initiated due to their production of PCBs – chemicals that accumulate in small organisms and fish, thereby posing a risk to humans who consume these fish.

Tim Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission, underscored the long-term impact of PCB pollution on the state’s aquatic resources.

It is important to acknowledge that this is not an isolated case; Bayer has previously settled multiple lawsuits regarding Monsanto’s PCBs in various states, including a significant $698 million settlement with Oregon.

Despite agreeing to the settlement, Monsanto did not admit liability or wrongdoing.

They issued a statement highlighting that their production of PCBs ceased in 1977 and that they neither manufactured nor disposed of them in Pennsylvania.

However, historical records suggest that Monsanto was aware of the harmful effects and persistent nature of PCBs as early as 1937.

These chemicals were extensively used in a variety of products, such as paints, sealants, and electrical equipment, and were often required in construction due to their valued qualities until their US ban in 1979.

August 31, 2023:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has publicized and released a summary regarding the allocation of funds for the decontamination of a PCB-infected Superfund Site in Georgia.

On the 29th of July, 2016, the EPA made a settlement agreement with Honeywell International Inc. and Georgia Power Company.

This agreement entails the commitment of approximately $29 million to the remediation efforts at the LCP Chemicals Superfund Site, a 760-acre saltwater marsh located in Brunswick, GA.

A crucial aim of this remediation is to potentially lift the existing prohibitions on commercial fishing and advisories on fish consumption.

Honeywell International Inc., a multinational conglomerate based in Morris Plains, NJ, and Georgia Power Co., an electric power company situated in Atlanta, GA, are the key players involved in this settlement.

Historical data shows that from 1919 to 1994, the LCP Chemicals Superfund Site was home to various industrial operations.

As a result, it suffered contamination from hazardous substances like mercury and PCBs. In 1996, due to its condition, it was added to the National Priorities List.

Efforts towards cleanup commenced in 1994 and included measures like demolition of contaminated infrastructure, dredging of the marsh, and removal of contaminated soil.

The most recent settlement aims to enhance cleanup activities in the site’s tidal marsh and creeks.

As per the settlement agreement, both companies are required to dredge and install protective caps in specific tidal creeks, introduce clean sediment over an area spanning 11 acres of marsh, and restore areas impacted by construction.

This will significantly reduce the levels of harmful contaminants in the marsh’s sediments and safeguard its wildlife.

To guarantee the enduring success of these measures, both Honeywell and Georgia Power have pledged to persistently monitor the long-term effects of the cleanup on health and environmental conditions.

August 25, 2023:

A legal action was initiated on August 24th in the Superior Court of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, asserting that General Electric Company (GE) and Monsanto Company deliberately exposed people to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), subsequently causing cancer.

The plaintiff is the spouse of a former teacher at Allendale Elementary School who succumbed to multiple types of cancer in February 2022.

The lawsuit suggests her diseases were due to hazardous waste exposure, including PCBs, from nearby GE facilities.

This is the sixth such case in the county, with earlier allegations being made by mothers from the Allendale region, a business proprietor, and others linking their cancer diagnoses to PCB exposure from these sites.

Monsanto has refuted these claims, maintaining they neither produced nor disposed of PCBs near Allendale Elementary School or within the larger Pittsfield area.

Those who have experienced health issues following potential PCB exposure at work or school may qualify to lodge a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

August 24, 2023:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conceded to a lawsuit filed by the Gunpowder Riverkeeper in 2020, agreeing to examine fish for toxic pollutants in two Maryland rivers, namely the Gunpowder and its tributaries.

The Maryland Department of the Environment had previously detected PCB contamination in fish tissue from the Gunpowder and Bird Rivers in 2006 and 2008.

However, they attributed the pollution to the Susquehanna River, implying that local control was not the solution.

This standpoint was endorsed by the EPA in 2016.

However, Gunpowder Riverkeeper Theaux LeGardeur challenged this approval with a lawsuit, proposing that local PCB sources like the former C.P. Crane power plant and Aberdeen Proving Ground were neglected.

Although the suggested settlement does not mandate a reevaluation of the state’s remediation strategies, it seeks to augment public comprehension of fish contamination risks in the impacted areas.

Previous studies have underscored elevated PCB concentrations in regions linked to Gunpowder.

In light of the recent settlement, the EPA has pledged to disclose its findings on PCB pollution in the specified areas publicly.

Furthermore, they plan to convene a public assembly by 2026 concerning cleanup plans if neither state nor local authorities step up.