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WEITZ & LUXENBERG TO HOST MEETINGS ON PCE FOR COAL LAB WORKERS NEXT WEEK IN WEST VIRGINIA
For workers exposed to PCE while performing “float-sink” coal analysis
February 25, 2009, New York, NY—Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. would like to inform workers of a little-known occupational hazard in “float-sink” coal prep laboratories in West Virginia. These testing labs are exposing employees to perchloroethylene, commonly referred to as “PCE” or “PERC,” a dangerous chemical known to cause harmful health effects in humans.
The firm will be available next week in Charleston, Oak Hill, Logan, Huntington and Wheeling, West Virginia to let workers and their families know there is recourse.
“We have found that the employers of these labs are knowingly exposing their workers to unprotected contact with the PCE as they perform density tests by dropping the coal into vats of this hazardous liquid,” said Robin Greenwald, head of the Toxic Torts Unit at Weitz & Luxenberg. “The workers have the right to know how truly dangerous this process is, and how it can adversely affect their health,” she added.
Weitz & Luxenberg is now using its expertise in environmental law to help those in West Virginia whose health has been compromised by PCE, taking on a class action lawsuit (Katy Addair, Administratrix of the Estate of Gary Addair, et al., v. Litwar Processing Company, LLC, et al. Civil Action No. 04-C-252).
The firm invites residents to attend special meetings with our environmental lawyers:
PCE, a harmful solvent routinely used in coal prep labs, is known to cause serious neurological injuries to those who breathe excessive amounts of its vapor on a daily basis. Injuries associated with PCE include central nervous disease, which can manifest itself in nerve damage.
Government health agencies recognize PCE as a probable carcinogen, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. According to OSHA, symptoms of long-term exposure to PCE can include: Dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of coordination; loss of memory, visual perception, and reaction time; and redness and blistering of the skin after prolonged contact.
OSHA found that dry cleaning workers with exposure to PCE on a daily basis risked serious health problems. For this reason, that industry has improved the control of perchloroethylene in recent years, and modern dry cleaning equipment involves much lower exposures.
Greenwald is no stranger to representing citizens who have been harmed by environmental pollutants. The firm is representing residents of Tennessee in the aftermath of the horrific environmental disaster in which billions of gallons of coal ash sludge broke through a dike of a holding pond at a TVA coal-fired power plant in Kingston, TN. (No. 3:09-cv-54). Famed environmental advocate Erin Brockovich, who now has an association with the firm, joined Greenwald for community meetings in the affected areas.
Those who have been harmed by PCE or other environmental pollutants should complete the form below to obtain a free case review.
see also:
Meetings
Workers Hurt by PCE in Float Sink Coal Preps May Attend Our WV MeetingFirm hosts meetings for workers in West Virginia on PCE in coal labs
Areas Affected
WV Residents: Harmed by PERC From Coal Prep Labs? Free Lawsuit Review.Many WV communites have been impacted by PERC from coal testing labs
PCE in Coal Labs
PCE Lawsuit in WV: Coal Lab Workers Harmed During “Float-Sink” PrepsLawyers expose the dangers of PCE exposure in coal labs. Lawsuit info
