Ohio Cancer Cluster News: Whirlpool Testing Water and Soil Near Clyde, OH
Michigan-based appliance maker Whirlpool Corp. has begun testing soil and water samples from what was Whirlpool Park near Clyde, Ohio, an area near what local and federal health officials have deemed an Ohio cancer cluster after dozens of children have been stricken with various forms of cancer. Whirlpool has had a large washing machine plant in the town of Clyde for more than 50 years.
Last month, Whirlpool and the current owner of the former park, Grist Mill LLC, began collecting 300 samples around the Ohio Cancer Cluster area, which will then be compared against hundreds of compounds, Whirlpool Vice President of Communication and Public Affairs Jeff Noel told the Bellevue Gazette. Those samples will be shared with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Last year, the EPA found PCBs at the former park while investigating possible causes of the cancer cluster. (https://thebellevuegazette.com/local-news/testing-begins-at-old-whirpool-park/)
The two companies that are collecting the samples will also be installing a dozen monitoring wells in the area of the Ohio Cancer Cluster. Noel told reporters that the sample collections and well installations will take about a month to complete and that data collection reports are expected to be ready by fall. Noel said, “When we know the facts and we know what we have found…that will guide us using good science as to what will go on next,” the Bellevue Gazette reported.
Ohio Cancer Cluster Lawsuit
The lead plaintiff in a Cancer Cluster class action lawsuit filed against Whirlpool alleging the company contaminated the park by dumping toxic chemicals told Toledo News Now that he knows “they’re going to find what already has been found. The question becomes do they extend the search to encompass a much broader are of the park and find other thing in a more expansive area.” (https://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/22294173/whirlpool-to-conduct-tests-in-clyde)
Families of the sickened children within the Ohio Cancer Cluster area hired an environmental consultant to test the dust in their attics for chemicals. Benzaldehyde, allegedly used by Whirlpool during washing machine production, was found. In an interview with Jonathan Walsh from Toledo News Now, Noel said Benzaldehyde was not used in the core washing machine manufacturing processes and that he had no information saying the chemical was a byproduct of material waste. (https://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/22294173/whirlpool-to-conduct-tests-in-clyde)
Noel also said that Whirlpool has no explanation for the finding of PCBs at the former park. “We stay grounded in the facts. Let’s make sure that the science itself can be processed, will basically allow for the right conclusions to be drawn based upon science and the facts, and that we’re not blaming anybody. Whirlpool Corporation’s a part of this community, and looks forward to being part of this community, and looks forward to helping find the facts and information that we are all looking for,” Toledo News Now reported him as saying.
Regarding the class action lawsuit, Whirlpool issued a statement saying, “We are aware of the filing and we are evaluating these new allegations. We will vigorously defend Whirlpool, its employees, and the community against these allegations. Whirlpool has been a part of the fabric of the Clyde community for more than 60 years and we remain committed to acting responsibly.” (https://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/22264259/clyde-families-lawsuit-alleges-cause-of-cancer)
Noel also said that there has been no “scientific evidence whatsoever to substantiate” allegations that Whirlpool or its manufacturing processes have contributed to the pediatric cancer cluster including the three children who have died from cancer.
About The Cochran Firm-Ohio
The Cochran Firm – Ohio is an experienced full service, personal injury law firm with offices in Cincinnati and Dayton and handles personal injury cases throughout all of Ohio. Founded over 40 years ago by famed attorney, Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., The Cochran Firm – Ohio, has established itself as one of the premier personal injury law firms in the United States and has been recognized for delivering successful results to their clients across a broad range of claims stemming from car / auto accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability, and product liability lawsuits. For over 40 years, The Cochran Firm-Ohio’s team of experienced lawyers continually fight for justice for all its clients. If you’ve been injured call Ohio’s experienced full service law firm “The Cochran Firm – Ohio” today at 513-381-HURT.