Source: http://www.sokolovelaw.com, October 22,2012
By: Sokolove Law Staff
A Massachusetts town has filed a class-action chemical exposure lawsuit against three chemical companies over the potential harm caused by high levels of chemicals known as PCBs.
The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of Lexington and other school districts of Massachusetts with school buildings that are affected by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) made by Pharmacia Corp., Solutia Inc., and Monsanto Co., according to Boston.com.
The suit alleges that the makers of PCBs were aware of the risks that the chemical posed to public health and the environment when it was being used in the construction of schools spanning almost three decades, starting from the 1950s. The class action seeks to represent Massachusetts schools that were built between the 1950s and the 1970s. Monsanto says that the suit lacks merit.
PCBs are known to cause cancer if they build up in the body over a long period. The Lexington Public Schools temporarily shut down Estabrook Elementary School after tests showed high levels of PCBs in the school, writes Boston.com. After spending millions to try and clean it up, the district is in the process of replacing the school.
The manufacturing and use of PCBs was banned by Congress in 1976. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued certain guidelines in 2009 that the schools are instructed to follow to limit exposure to PCBs.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by a personal injury involving chemical exposure, contact Sokolove Law today for free legal consultation and to find out if a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you.