[2023 Guide] PCB Lawsuit | PCB Exposure & Health Effects

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Intro to the PCB Lawsuit

On this page, we‘ll discuss the PCB lawsuit investigation, estimated PCB Lawsuit settlement amounts, health problems linked to PCB exposures, eligibility for PCB Exposure Lawsuit claims, and much more.

PCB Lawsuit Investigation: PCB Contamination in Schools Linked to Health Problems

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic substances that were historically used in industrial and commercial applications until their production was banned or restricted.

PCBs are often found in building materials, electrical equipment (transformers, capacitors), hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, lubricants, plasticizers, pigments, and carbonless copy paper.

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These chemicals have been used in some building materials and old fluorescent lighting fixtures that have been found in school buildings across the United States.

School children and educators may be among those most chronically exposed to PCBs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PCBs tend to accumulate in the body with extended and chronic exposure.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a work or school setting and subsequently suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation.

Our law firm is committed to helping people harmed at no fault of their own seek financial compensation for what they’ve experienced.

Reach out to us for more information and to find out how our PCB Lawyers can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

There have been class actions lawsuits and personal injury claims filed against he manufacturers of PCBs.

While we haven’t seen a more widespread and noteworthy settlement or litigation for PCB exposures, our attorneys are still speaking to people who believe their health problems are linked to exposure to PCBs.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs and subsequently developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a PCB Lawsuit claim.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals, called chlorinated hydrocarbons, that were manufactured and widely used in various industrial and commercial applications from the 1930s until their production was banned through the Toxic Substances Control Act in 1979.

PCBs are known for their toxic properties and environmental persistence.

They are composed of biphenyl molecules to which chlorine atoms are attached, resulting in different forms or congeners with varying degrees of chlorination.

PCBs were favored for their desirable physical and chemical properties, such as thermal stability, electrical insulation, and flame retardancy.

These chemicals were primarily used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment.

Their negative impact on human health and the environment led to the implementation of regulations to restrict their use and manage their disposal.

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been associated with various health effects.

Here are some of the known health effects linked to PCB exposure:

  • Developmental and Neurological Effects: PCB exposure, particularly during early life stages, has been linked to developmental and neurological problems in children. This includes impaired cognitive development, reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders.
  • Endocrine Disruption: PCBs are known to disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and function. They can interfere with the normal functioning of hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances and associated health issues.
  • Reproductive Disorders: PCBs have been associated with reproductive disorders in both males and females. These include reduced fertility, decreased sperm quality, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal disruptions that can affect normal reproductive function.
  • Immune System Dysfunction: PCBs can negatively impact the immune system, leading to impaired immune response and increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
  • Carcinogenicity: PCBs have been classified as probable human carcinogens. Prolonged exposure to certain PCB congeners has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including liver cancer, lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Liver Damage: PCBs are known to cause liver toxicity. Prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage, including inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired liver function.
  • Skin Conditions: PCB exposure has been linked to skin problems such as chloracne, a severe acne-like skin condition characterized by the development of lesions on the face, neck, and other body parts.
  • Respiratory Issues: PCB exposure has been associated with respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

It’s important to note that the health effects of PCB exposure can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility.

Yes, PCB is banned in the United States.

PCB was banned in 1979, and plans were made to properly dispose of these toxic substances and use alternatives.

However, PCB is still found in some older buildings, products, manufacturing process, and other use cases.

The removal and disposal of PCB waste requires careful handling to prevent further contamination and potential health and environmental risks.

Here are the general steps involved in PCB removal and disposal:

  • Identification and assessment of PCB-containing materials.
  • Remediation or decontamination efforts, if feasible.
  • Segregation and proper packaging of PCB-containing materials.
  • Disposal in licensed facilities specialized in handling hazardous waste.
  • Compliance with legal requirements and regulations for PCB removal and disposal.

Exposure to PCBs can occur through the workplace or environmental sources, such as PCB contaminated fish.

Those who have been exposed to PCBs tend to be the following groups:

  • Workers in industries where PCBs were historically used, such as electrical equipment manufacturing or repair, may be exposed through direct contact with PCB-containing materials or equipment.
  • Students and faculty in old school buildings where PCBs were used in old fluorescent lighting fixtures and building materials.
  • Individuals living near industrial sites or hazardous waste sites where PCBs were released or disposed of improperly may be exposed through environmental contamination.
  • Eating contaminated fish, meat, or dairy products may be exposed to PCBs through food.
  • PCBs can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding, resulting in exposure for infants.

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Table of Contents

PCB Lawsuit Investigation Overview

Our attorneys are currently investigating the potential PCB Litigation, conducting free consultations with students and workers exposed to PCBs.

As we’ll discuss further in this piece, PCBs have been linked to several adverse health effects and are labeled as probable human carcinogens.

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PCB concentrations are high in older school buildings and other buildings that use old fluorescent lighting fixtures.

If you were exposed to PCBs at work or school and subsequently suffered health effects

What Companies Produce PCBs?

Over the course of the 20th century, numerous companies produced PCBs or used PCBs to manufacture electrical equipment, electrical devices.

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Companies that have produced PCBs over the years include:

  • Monsanto Company
  • General Electric (GE)
  • Westinghouse Electric Corporation
  • ABB (ASEA Brown Boveri)
  • Siemens
  • Capacitor Manufacturers (e.g., Cornell-Dubilier, Sprague Electric, Illinois Capacitor)

Where is PCB Found?

PCBs can be found in various locations due to their historical use and persistence in the environment.

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Here are some common sources where PCBs can be present:

  1. Electrical Equipment: PCBs were extensively used as insulating fluids in electrical transformers and capacitors. Old electrical equipment, especially those manufactured before the ban, may still contain PCBs.
  2. Industrial Sites: Manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, and other industrial sites where PCBs were used or produced may have residual contamination in the soil, water, or nearby areas.
  3. Buildings and Construction Materials: PCBs were added to building materials like caulking, paints, sealants, and plastics to improve their durability and fire resistance. Older structures may still have these PCB-containing materials.
  4. Natural Environment: PCBs are persistent pollutants and can accumulate in soil, sediment, and water bodies. They can enter the environment through industrial releases, improper disposal, and atmospheric deposition.
  5. Food and Food Chain: PCBs can bioaccumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish and other seafood. Predatory fish at the top of the food chain tend to have higher PCB concentrations.
  6. Consumer Products: Although their use has been banned or restricted, some consumer products manufactured before the regulations may still contain traces of PCBs. These products include carbonless copy paper, pigments, lubricants, and plasticizers.

Commercial PCB Mixtures and Types

PCB mixtures, commonly known by the trade name Aroclor Series, were typically manufactured as a combination of different PCB congeners.

These mixtures were created by gradually adding chlorine to batches of biphenyl until reaching a specific target chlorine percentage by weight.

While commercial mixtures with higher chlorine percentages contained a greater proportion of heavily chlorinated congeners, all mixtures were expected to contain various congeners at different levels.

Although PCBs were sold under different names, the Aroclor series was the most prevalent.

Aroclor, a well-known PCB mixture, was produced between approximately 1930 and 1979.

It encompasses various types, each distinguished by a suffix number representing the degree of chlorination. The numbering convention for different Aroclors follows this pattern:

The first two digits typically indicate the number of carbon atoms in the phenyl rings (in the case of PCBs, this is 12).

The second two numbers indicate the approximate chlorine percentage by weight in the mixture.

For example, Aroclor 1254 suggests that the mixture contains approximately 54% chlorine.

What is a PCB Congener?

PCB congeners are individual chemical compounds that belong to the group of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

PCB congeners are formed by varying the number and position of chlorine atoms attached to the biphenyl structure. Different congeners have distinct combinations and arrangements of chlorine atoms, resulting in unique chemical properties and potential health effects.

The term “congener” is used to describe the specific variant of a chemical compound within a larger group or family. In the case of PCBs, congeners refer to the different forms or types of PCB compounds that exist.

Each PCB congener has its own set of characteristics, such as its level of chlorination, stability, persistence in the environment, and potential for bioaccumulation.

Some congeners are more prevalent in the environment due to historical usage, while others may be more toxic or persistent.

It is important to note that different PCB congeners can have varying degrees of toxicity and environmental impact.

Some congeners have been found to be more harmful to human health and the environment than others, and their presence in PCB mixtures can influence the overall risk and potential effects associated with exposure to these chemicals.

PCB Health Effects: What Health Problems are Linked to PCB Exposures?

Exposure to PCBs has been linked to a number of potential health effects.

PCBs accumulate in the body, so chronic exposure to PCBs may be especially dangerous.

These health effects have been well-documented by scientific and governmental agencies for decades.

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Potential Health Effects of PCB Exposure:

  • Developmental and Neurological Effects
  • Endocrine Disruption
  • Immune System Dysfunction
  • Reproductive Disorders
  • Carcinogenicity
  • Liver Damage
  • Skin Conditions
  • Respiratory Issues

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Why PCBs are Dangerous:

  • Persistence: PCBs are highly persistent in the environment, leading to long-term exposure risks.
  • Bioaccumulation: PCBs can accumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish and seafood, increasing the likelihood of human exposure through consumption.
  • Toxicity: PCBs are toxic to humans and animals, impacting various organ systems and causing a range of health effects.
  • Endocrine Disruption: PCBs interfere with hormonal systems, disrupting normal hormone function and potentially leading to reproductive and developmental disorders.
  • Carcinogenic Potential: Some PCB congeners have been identified as probable human carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancer development.
  • Environmental Impact: PCBs pose risks to ecosystems and wildlife, leading to ecological imbalances and bioaccumulation in sensitive species.

It is crucial to minimize exposure to PCBs, follow regulations and guidelines, and properly manage and dispose of PCB-containing materials to protect human health and the environment.

If you’ve been exposed to PCBs and suffered health effects, you may be eligible to file a PCB Lawsuit claim.

Contact us for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page.

Scientific Studies on Exposure to PCBs and Subsequent Health Effects

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to PCBs has been linked to numerous health concerns including cancer.

Being chronically exposed to PCBs or eating contaminated food can result in several health problems.

Below are a number of scientific studies on PCB exposure and its related health effects:

Do You Qualify for a PCB Exposure Lawsuit Claim?

Potentially cancer causing chemicals present in electrical equipment, schools, and older buildings may be putting public health at risk.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs and subsequently developed cancer or other health effects, you may be eligible to file a PCB Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

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Our attorneys are here to help you through the lawsuit process and protect your rights.

Your PCB Lawyer can help you gather evidence for your claim and assess damages related to PCB exposure.

Gathering Evidence for PCB Exposure Claims

Evidence is important for any mass tort or personal injury case.

In a PCB exposure case, evidence could include the following:

  • Medical records
  • Employment records
  • School records
  • Residential information
  • Any other proof of exposure to PCBs and subsequent health effects

Assessing Damages for PCB Exposure

Damages refer to the total amount of losses related to being exposed to PCBs and the health effects that may be related.

Damages in a potential PCB Lawsuit may include:

  • Medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional damages
  • Lost quality of life
  • Permanent disability
  • Other compensatory and punitive damages

TorHoerman Law: Investigating Litigation for PCB Exposures

Our law firm is currently investigating potential litigation for those suffering from exposure to PCBs.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs and subsequently developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Lawsuit claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for more information.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.

Reach out to us for more information.

We’re here to help.

Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

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