Mass Torts

Fighting for Families and Students Harmed by PCBs.

Jury Hits Monsanto With $275M Verdict In Latest Trial Over PCB Exposure in Washington State School

What Are PCBs?

Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their durability. Though PCBs were used widely for industrial purposes, they were banned in the 1970s.

PCBs are classified as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1).

Research compiled by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry shows that PCBs can lead to the following health issues:

Neurobehavioral and Developmental Deficits in Newborns

• Disrupted Reproductive System
• Fibrosis
• Necrosis
• Neurological Deficiencies
• Cardiovascular Risks
• Adverse Dermal Effects

SEEKING JUSTICE

In recent years, PCBs have been found in the Sky Valley Educational Center, a Monroe School District building located in Washington. Trial Lawyers for Justice represents injured faculty and parents that have actions pending against Monsanto, the only domestic manufacturer of PCB chemical. The lawsuits allege that PCBs in outdated light fixtures and building caulk caused serious neurological injuries.

Monsanto has an extensive record of producing dangerous products including Agent Orange, Roundup, Nutrasweet, Synthetic Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGh), and more.

Although Monsanto knew PCBs posed a severe health risk, they shielded this information from public view for decades.

As parents ourselves, we care deeply about the children and families whose lives have been irreparably harmed by PCBs in schools across America.  This is a national health crisis and we are proud to support victims who are entitled to billions of dollars in damages.

If you believe you have been a victim of PCBs, please contact us here.

The EPA has classified all PCBs as probable human carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Evidence suggests a possible association between PCB exposure and liver cancer. PCBs also have significant ecological and human health effects other than cancer. 

The most likely way that staff may become exposed to PCBs from light ballasts is through breathing contaminated air or touching PCB oil or PCB-contaminated materials after a ballast leak or fire. Long-term effects can occur at any time after exposure and may last for months or years. They include:

• Affects to the nervous and reproductive system, immune system suppression. This can cause numbness, weakness, and tingling in arms and legs. 
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Hormone disruption.
• Respiratory tract symptoms.
• Gastrointestinal effects, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
• Liver damage
• Effects on the skin and eyes such as chloracne, skin rashes, and eye irritation.

Infants of mothers exposed to PCBs can experience developmental effects impairing movement, visual recognition memory, and short-term memory. PCBs may also be passed onto infants through their pregnant or nursing mothers.  This may include still births, and underweight births.

Short-term effects, which may be noticed immediately or shortly after exposure to PCBs include irritation of eyes, nose, and throat. Short-term exposure to high levels of PCBs can damage the liver.