PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) can be best defined as manufactured organic chemicals. And even though they aren’t produced any further in the United States, it’s still present in nature, thereby causing several health issues. It doesn’t break down and can stay in water, air, and soil for a long time.
Being a large group of chemicals that remain in the environment, PCBs are often linked with conditions like liver toxicity, diabetes, skin problems, and other respiratory, neurological, and immune issues. It can be found in electrical devices, paints, and adhesives.
Keri Hornbuckle, a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iowa, says that even though the chemicals have been banned in the United States since 1979, to date their side effects pose an acute concern to public health.
A cluster of 209 PCB mixtures called the Arocolors was produced by Monsanto in the mid-20th century to be used in flame retardants, electrical transformers, building materials, hydraulic fluid additives, and fluorescent light ballasts. The Environmental Protection Agency banned the sale of this chemical back in 1975. Hornbuckle says today, non-Aroclor PCBs are still manufactured as a part of industrial processes that are causing public harm.
Recently, a school in Washington State reported students falling sick because of PCB exposure, for which Bayer subsidiary Monsanto needs to pay a hefty amount. In this article, we will delve into this and other health hazards caused by PCBs in humans.
Why Did Monsanto Pay for PCB Exposure in Washington State?
In December 2023, Chemistry World reported that the U.S. jury asked Monsanto to shell out $857 million to seven individuals, which includes parent volunteers and former students at a school located in Washington State.
These people who belonged to the school reported that they fell sick because of PCB exposure sold by the company. The PCBs were present in a fire safety fluid on the school premises that was leaked from light fixtures. Victims who suffered from this exposure reported endocrine and neurological problems.
However, Monsanto doesn’t agree with this verdict of the jury and shared the idea of pursuing post-trial motions. As a justification from their end, the company said that according to available evidence, which comprises air, blood, and other tests, plaintiffs weren’t exposed to extreme PCB levels, and that couldn’t be a reason for their ailments.
Nevertheless, in June 2020, Monsanto decided to pay $95 million as compensation for all damages caused to the state’s natural resources because of PCB exposure. Again, in December 2022, an attorney general from Oregon declared a $700 million compensation amount from Monsanto as PCB chemicals were polluting the state. In recent times, attorney generals in Virginia and Pennsylvania have come up with similar deals with Monsanto.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that PCBs can accumulate in the body because of prolonged exposure and cause severe ailments. If you or anyone else is affected by it, they are eligible for a PCB exposure lawsuit. That way, they can receive fair compensation to cover the damages endured.
The Health Hazards of PCB Exposure
There are numerous ways in which PCB exposure can affect human health. Some chronic ailments include:
Cancer
The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) identifies polychlorinated biphenyls as Group 1 carcinogens. As a result, prolonged exposure to this chemical leads to a heightened risk of several cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, and liver cancer. It might take time for individuals to realize that their cancer stems from past PCB exposure.
Neurological Issues
PCBs might adversely impact the nervous system, making people experience dizziness, tremors, and dizziness. However, when people are exposed to this chemical for a long time, for instance, working in a school or area prone to PCB chemicals, they can develop Parkinson’s disease and various other degenerative neurological disorders.
Endocrine Disruption
Polychlorinated biphenyls can interfere with the hormonal system of the body, disrupt it, and cause a range of issues. It can result in health problems like abnormal changes in thyroid function, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. Ideally, people who suspect a change in their body functions because of hormonal imbalance should try to find out whether it’s because of PCB exposure and seek required medical attention.
Tru Lawsuit Info states that once you realize that you are affected by PCBs present at a working site and the authorities have been negligent about it, file a complaint and wait for the compensation. It’s best to contact a lawyer so that you are guided all through the legal journey. Also, submit every piece of evidence you have in terms of medical documents and healthcare data so that your lawyer can use it to build a compelling case and present it in court.
In conclusion, PCBs are a threat to human health as they lead to a host of ailments that can affect the quality of life and lead to increased medical costs. It is necessary to be wary of the symptoms and get a medical diagnosis to be sure that your illness is caused by PCB exposure. Once you are certain of that, you must file a lawsuit and seek fair compensation to cover the economic and non-economic damages.