Right To Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets

The State on NJ Department of Health has now made available hazardous substances fact sheets in a format for Emergency Responders. The sheets can be searched by DOT# or CAS# or in alphabetical sort. All the reference forms may be downloaded.

Soldiers Exposed to Chromium in Iraq File Suit

Soldiers who have been exposed to hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen, have filed suit against a government contractor. The present and former soldiers have brought a claims against KBR (Kellogg, Brown & Root), a subsidiary of Halliburton, for concealing the contamination and knowingly exposing them to potential harm. The chromium chemical, sodium dichromate, was utilized to prevent corrosion.

The Oregon legislature has held hearings on pending legislation to assist the ill soldiers. One Oregon soldier has died of complications of leukemia at the age of 21.

Public Heath Advocates Form Committee to Ban Asbestos in America

"The most efficient way to eliminate asbestos- related diseases is to stop using all types of asbestos." The World Health Organization

Public health advocates, led by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and The John McNamara Foundation, today announced the formation of the Committee to Ban Asbestos in America (CBAA). Asbestos kills more than 10,000 men, women and children every year. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported mesothelioma deaths increased from 2004 to 2005 in "Health, United States, 2007." Since first tracked in 1980, mesothelioma deaths have increased every year. "As recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 1976 the only way to prevent asbestos-related diseases is to ban its use, the CBAA supports language in a Committee Print before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment & Hazardous Materials," said Linda Reinstein, Chairperson of the Committee to Ban Asbestos in America. "We are calling on the U.S. Congress and the President to do the right thing and ban asbestos in America and fund critical medical programs. Doctors and scientists agree: asbestos is a carcinogen and that there is no safe level of exposure. Preventing asbestos exposure is the only way to eliminate asbestos caused diseases. Recent ADAO product testing confirmed asbestos is still found in consumer products including toys."

"Asbestos and the manufacturers of asbestos are responsible for creating the largest man made health crisis in this country," said TC McNamara, Founder of The John McNamara Foundation. "Asbestos went from being a miracle product to a serial killer which makes this legislation long overdue, but now is the time to ban asbestos in America."

http://www.banasbestos.us/

NJ Permits Intentional Tort Claim Against Former Employer- PVC Exposure

While denying class action certification for a medical monitoringclass and a punitive damage class, the NJ App Div permitted an INTENTIONAL TORT action against the employer to go forward in a common law civil claim.

This case involved exposure to poly vinyl chloride at a Pantasote, a Paterson NJ plant, causing disease to former workers which is characteristic of Raynaud's phenomenon ( fingers blanch and numbnessand discomfort are experienced upon exposure to the cold), changes inthe bones at the bones at the end of the fingers [Known asacro-osteolysis (AOL)], joint and muscle pain, and scleroderma-likeskin changes (thickening of the skin, deceased elasticity and slightedema).

Inhaled vinyl chloride has been shown to increase the risk of a rareform of liver cancer (angiosarcoma of the liver) in humans. It is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Group A, human carcinogen.

Plaintiffs represented by: Jon Gelman (NJ), Ron Simon (DC), Herschel Hobson (TX) and Mark Cuker (PA)

Decision- Buynie v. Airco Co, NJ App Div 2007, Decided August 10, 2007

See related articles:
Misleading Statements Made By Vinyl Chloride Companies Held Valid Basis for Suit

Workplace Poison

Vinyl Chloride Conspiracy Documents: Part 4 (Jun 1974 - Dec 1974)

Vinyl Chloride Plants in New Jersey