Trichloroethylene (TCE) | TCE Lawsuit
TCE Lawsuit | What is TCE?
TCE Lawsuits concern Trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is a chemical compound most commonly used as an industrial solvent used to remove grease from metal parts in tool and automobile production and to make hydrofluorocarbon chemicals like refrigerants. TCE is a volatile liquid, evaporating at room temperature. Additionally, this colorless chemical can be found in some commonly used household products like adhesives, paints, paint removers, spot removers, cleaning products, etc. If it is not disposed of properly or leaks into the ground, the TCE contamination can spread into the air, soil, groundwater, and well water.
TCE is a Human Carcinogen | TCE Complications
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified TCE as “carcinogenic to humans,” and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has classified it as a “known human carcinogen.” Lawsuits and reports have linked TCE to kidney cancer, kidney damage, liver cancer, liver damage, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, central nervous system toxicity, compromised immune systems, decreased fertility, and fetal tissue damage.
TCE Contamination in Springfield, MO
According to a federal lawsuit filed by Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane & Conway (Peiffer Wolf), the defense technology giant Northrop Grumman covered up the extent of chemical contamination in Springfield, MO for more than a decade, knowingly exposing residents to illegally high levels of TCE. Northrop Grumman acquired a Litton Industries property near the Springfield-Branson National Airport in 2001. The site remains a dangerous source of TCE, which Litton had used in the manufacturing of circuit boards.
Despite this knowledge and their legal responsibility to clean up the problem, the complaint alleges that Northrop Grumman concealed the extent of the contamination from Springfield residents, jeopardizing their health and destroying the value of polluted properties. Documents cited in the complaint show that since at least 2004, Northrop Grumman has known of TCE contamination of the Springfield and Ozark Aquifers that has led to contamination of private wells. Northrop Grumman has repeatedly failed to prevent TCE contamination and to properly notify Springfield residents of its spread within their community.
By hiding the fact that TCE was found in at least one private well in 2004, Northrop Grumman endangered Springfield residents for over a decade. Moreover, concealing this information prevented the community from testing their wells to monitor for TCE contamination and toxic exposure.
Free Consultation | 314-833-4827
Peiffer Wolf is fighting on behalf of homeowners and tenants to seek maximum compensation for the harm suffered from TCE contamination due to Northrop Grumman’s alleged negligence. Individuals who suspect that their water wells may have been polluted by TCE should Contact Us today by filling out an online contact form or by calling 314-833-4827 for a FREE Consultation.
TCE Contamination | Health Problems and Property Damage
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified TCE as “carcinogenic to humans,” and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has classified TCE as a “known human carcinogen.” Serious and life-threatening complications can arise from TCE exposure, including but not limited to:
- kidney cancer,
- kidney damage,
- liver cancer,
- liver damage,
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,
- central nervous system toxicity,
- compromised immune systems,
- decreased fertility, and
- fetal tissue damage.
Additionally, TCE contamination can destroy the value of polluted properties, leaving them essentially worthless.
Peiffer Wolf is fighting on behalf of homeowners and tenants to seek maximum compensation for the harm suffered from TCE contamination due to Northrop Grumman’s alleged negligence. Individuals who suspect that their water wells may have been polluted by TCE should Contact Us today by filling out an online contact form or by calling 314-833-4827 for a FREE Consultation.
Springfield, MO TCE Lawsuit Filed
Peiffer Wolf filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Don York, Beverly York, Alisha York-Stradling, and Jacob Stradling against Northrop Grumman in the Southern Division of the Western District of Missouri. Don York and his wife Beverly York own a home in Springfield less than a quarter-mile from the contamination site, where they have resided since 2006. At the time they purchased their property, they were unaware that a TCE contamination site was nearby…a site that they later learned contaminated their land and the well that supplies them with drinking, bathing, and cooking water. The Yorks did not learn of the contamination until 2018 when the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) found TCE in their property’s soil and well water. State officials began testing only after TCE from the Northrop Grumman site was discovered at a local tourist attraction, forcing the defendants’ hands.
Terry York, Don’s brother, passed away from kidney issues after living on the York property for seven years.
Alisha York-Stradling and Jacob Stradling were tenants at Don and Beverly York’s property and ran a business from the location. They spent $125,000 on improvements before finding out about the TCE contamination.
Free Consultation | 314-833-4827
Peiffer Wolf is fighting on behalf of homeowners and tenants to seek maximum compensation for the harm suffered from TCE contamination due to Northrop Grumman’s alleged negligence. Individuals who suspect that their water wells may have been polluted by TCE should Contact Us today by filling out an online contact form or by calling 314-833-4827 for a FREE Consultation.
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