Arsenic Contamination in Westmoreland County

State Investigation of Ground, Air and Water Pollution at Former Glass Facility Site

An October 2010 inspection of the former Jeannette Glass factory in Westmoreland County has led to the discovery that the site is contaminated by several toxic substances known to cause serious health problems. In addition to the discovery of asbestos waste, unsafe levels of both arsenic and lead were also found at the now-abandoned site

If you or your family has suffered serious health consequences caused by exposure to arsenic and/or lead from the Jeannette Glass site, you can obtain information from our attorneys about your legal options by completing the form on this page.

On October 4, 2010, investigators from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) executed a search warrant on a 32-acre site that was once the home to the Jeannette Glass Factory.  The search warrant was served after allegations that the property was contaminated by a number of environmental contaminants.

Unsafe Environmental Pollutants and Carcinogens Found
The investigation at the abandoned site revealed the presence of high levels of a number of dangerous substances, including:

• Arsenic;
• Asbestos;
• Lead; and
• Glass cullet waste from the glass making operations.

In addition, the search discovered a number of steel drums and numerous stacks of abandoned tires.  As of October 2010, the drums had not been opened or tested to determine whether they contained other dangerous substances.

Arsenic Health Risks
Both national and international health agencies, including the U.S. Department of Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)and the World Health Organization (WHO) have all classified arsenic as a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

In particular, arsenic exposure increases the risk to develop lung cancer, skin cancer and cancers of the liver or bladder.

Other arsenic health risks include blood disorders caused by a decrease in the body's production of red and white blood cells and blood vessel damage, as well as cardiac problems including heart rythmn abnormalities.

Get Help From Weitz & Luxenberg
For over 25 years, Weitz & Luxenberg’s lawyers have been fighting for the rights of those whose property, health and livelihoods have been impacted by environmental pollution, and we are ready to help you, your family and your business.

To obtain more information about how our attorneys can help your community, and your possible arsenic injury lawsuit, please complete the form on this page.  A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.

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see also:

Arsenic Arsenic Contamination in Westmoreland County | Weitz & Luxenberg
Legal help is available for residents of Jeannette and Westmoreland County, PA impacted by arsenic contamination at former glass factory.

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