Environmental Pollutants
Clairton, PA
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Benzene, Other Airborne Pollutants Emitted by Clairton Coke Works Linked to High Risks of Cancer and Other Serious Illnesses for Area Residents
Weitz & Luxenberg’s environmental lawyers are meeting with Clairton and Glassport families whose health has been significantly affected by exposure to benzene emissions from the coke facility. Studies have determined that the Clairton Coke Works emits the largest percentage of benzene in Allegheny County.
For more information about your legal rights to seek compensation from those responsible for a loved one’s cancer diagnosis, please complete the form on this page.
For generations, countless families living in or near Clairton and Glassport have had family members who worked in Pittsburgh’s coke industry, many of them having multiple family members who worked at the Clairton Coke Works.
The Clairton Works facility, which is the largest coke facility in the nation, has employed tens of thousands of workers over the years, with many families living in the community for their entire lives.
Sadly, the daily operations at the coke plant have caused those who live and work in the area to face daily exposure to pollution caused by the soot, dirt and dangerous chemical byproducts that are released into the air.
One of the chemicals released into the air is benzene, a chemical that has been classified by countless government agencies and health organizations as a carcinogen (substance known to cause cancer).
Benzene Health Risks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers “long-term” exposure to be approximately one year. Even exposure for this somewhat brief period of time can cause a number of serious illnesses.
Benzene interferes with the body’s ability to produce and maintain normal levels of white blood cells in the body. When white blood counts drop to dangerously low levels, an individual can develop anemia, bone marrow disorders and auto-immunity disorders that prevent someone from fighting off an infection.
Benzene exposure is known to increase the risk of developing cancer. In particular, those who are exposed to benzene for long periods of time are at increased risk to develop leukemia and other forms of blood cancers.
More information about benzene exposure and cancer can be found at the American Cancer Society’s Web site.
Government and Environmental Groups Investigate Pollution Problems Linked to the Coke Works
A number of studies have been conducted to determine the levels and long-term effects of air pollution caused by discharges from the coke plant. Those studies include:
National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) Report The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a June 2009 NATA update. The NATA report includes information about regional environmental problems that have resulted in ground, water and/or air pollution and the potential for those exposed to environmental pollutants. The NATA report reveals that Clairton and Glassport residents have a cancer risk rate 20 times higher than the national average, and have the third and fourth highest risk rates in the U.S. to develop a form of cancer.
Allegheny County Health Department Environmental Study The County Health Department and released the results of a multi-year study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University that researched air pollution in the county. The March 2009 report findings reflected that benzene is one of four airborne pollutants that are at acceptably safe levels. The study also determined that the highest levels of benzene were caused by emissions from operations at the Clairton Coke Works facility.
USA Today’s “Smoke Stack Effect Report The nationally-circulated newspaper published an online report of air quality issues affecting over 127,000 schools throughout the nation. That report reflects that schools in Clairton and Glassport, as well as schools in the neighboring communities of Natrona Heights and McKees Rocks as having the worst air quality in the nation.
Our Lawyers Are Ready to Help
If your health, or the health of a loved one has been adversely impacted by the air pollution in your neighborhood, please contact us for a free review of your possible lawsuit.
Even if you or a family member did not work for US Steel or at the Clairton Coke Works, you have the right to seek compensation for your illness, pain and suffering and for compensation to help defray other financial obligations.
Complete the form on this page and a Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.
see also:
Air Pollutants
Hazardous Air Pollutants Environmental lawyer | Weitz & Luxenberg Law firm for hazardous air pollutants in Clairton and Glassport, Pa.
Pittsburgh air quality
Environmental Law Firms Air Quality Cancer | Weitz & Luxenberg Free consultation for Pa. residents with air quality-related cancer
Pollution Risk
Nitrates And Cancer Clairton, PA | Weitz & LuxenbergFree consult for Mon Valley residents injured by nitrates and cancer
