Weitz & Luxenberg Press Release
Vapor Intrusion, in Lockwood, MT
Lockwood, MT Alert: October 3, 2006, New York, NY—Communities across the United States are learning about the dangers of vapor intrusion—but many are learning far too late.
The harmful phenomenon results when soil is contaminated with chemicals such
as dry cleaning fluids and petroleum. The vapors from the affected soil then
seep up through the cracks and openings in the foundation of nearby homes and
mix with the indoor air. The vapors decimate property values and endanger the
welfare of families who inhale the fumes. Nationally-recognized mass torts and
personal injury law firm Weitz
& Luxenberg, P.C. is dedicated to holding polluters accountable for their
pollution, and is focusing on helping individuals and communities harmed by
vapor intrusion.
A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental
polluters, the firm has worked with clients harmed by Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether (MTBE), asbestos, chromium, fluoride,
lead and PCE, among other toxins. We represent over 50 water providers whose
wells have been contaminated with MTBE and several communities around the
country for the personal injuries and property damage they have suffered as a
result of groundwater and air pollution.
Of the firm’s emerging focus on
vapor intrusion, Robin
Greenwald, Head of the firm’s Environmental Toxic Torts Unit said, “People
should feel safe to breathe in their own homes. We need to hold industry
accountable for interfering with this basic right and make those responsible for
causing the air inside homes unsafe to breathe pay for the damage they are
causing to people’s health and property values.”
The chemical TCE
(trichloroethene) is of particular concern as it relates to vapor intrusion. The
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released a report on July 27, 2006
highlighting the risk of exposure to TCE through vapor pathways. The report
supports the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finding that TCE is a
potential human carcinogen, and maintains that the weight of evidence on health
risks has strengthened since 2001, when the EPA last issued a TCE toxicity
evaluation.
People living near an area that has documented soil,
groundwater and/or soil vapor contaminated with volatile chemicals should ensure
that the potential for vapor intrusion has been, or is in the process of being,
investigated.
About Weitz & Luxenberg: Weitz & Luxenberg, founded
in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs, mass torts, product liability, and
personal injury litigation law firms in America. A forerunner in the legal fight
against environmental polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients
harmed by MTBE and other toxins. The firm has played leading roles in national
and local litigations involving asbestos, DES, silicone breast implants, medical
malpractice, and general negligence, among others. The firm has won numerous
cases involving dangerous pharmaceuticals, including Vioxx, achieving a $13.5
million verdict against Merck & Co. (docket No. ATLL129605).
People
who have been injured by environmental pollutants can contact Weitz &
Luxenberg. Interested parties should complete the form below for a free lawsuit review.
see also:
W&L Vapor Intrusion Release
Lockwood, MT Vapor Intrusion--A dangerous environmental concernVapor Intrusion in Lockwood, MT--Weitz & Luxenberg press release
W&L Press Release
Weitz & Luxenberg responds to PCE contamination in Lockwood, MTPress Release: Weitz & Luxenberg on PCE contamination in Lockwood, MT
Alert for Lockwood, MT
Residents of Lockwood, Montana: Learn about the local danger lurkingConcern for Lockwood, Montana safety due to ground water pollution
