Even though polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were banned decades ago, their toxic legacy is still around. These dangerous chemicals were once widely used in things like electrical equipment and building materials. Sadly, they continue to linger in the environment and in various places, including older buildings and schools. What’s alarming? Exposure to PCBs has been linked to serious health problems, including cancer and other long-term conditions. If you’ve been affected, file a PCB lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we explore how PCBs impact both the environment and your health and guide you through the steps to pursue your PCB claims. Talcum powder lawsuits are the claims that baby powder manufacturers knew their talc was contaminated by asbestos and could lead to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Yet, they did not warn consumers about the risk of talcum powder.
PCBs are man-made chemicals composed of carbon, chlorine, and hydrogen. They were widely used for their stability and resistance to heat, making them ideal for industrial and commercial applications. PCBs were commonly found in lubricants, plasticizers, hydraulic systems, electrical insulation, and paints. They even appeared in everyday items like fluorescent light ballasts. First commercially introduced by Monsanto in 1929, PCBs became a staple in mid-20th-century manufacturing, contributing to their widespread use across industries.
PCBs were manufactured in the United States from 1929 to 1977, principally by Monsanto. These chemicals were favored for their durability and insulating properties, making them useful in various industries. However, when the harmful effects of PCBs on the environment and human health became more evident, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stepped in. By 1977, it was apparent that PCBs were accumulating in the environment and posing significant health risks. As a result, in 1979, the EPA enacted regulations prohibiting the production and use of PCBs. The agency intended to protect public health and the environment.
PCBs were made and used widely from 1929 until 1979 when new regulations were introduced. The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1979 banned the production and use of PCBs, but they can still be accidentally created in small amounts through some manufacturing processes, with oversight from the EPA.
The problem is that many products made before 1979, like caulks, plastics, motor oil, adhesives, and electrical equipment, still contain PCBs. Improper disposal of these products means PCBs can end up in the environment, contaminating soil, water, and wildlife for years.
Exposure to PCBs is linked to serious health issues. The long-term presence of PCBs in the environment and their harmful effects on health are major concerns.
You can be exposed to PCBs in different ways, depending on your environment and the materials nearby. Here are the main ways:
Knowing the means of exposure helps you recognize and avoid potential risks.
PCBs are toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Here are some key risks:
PCBs are still around due to their extensive use and long-lasting nature. Here’s where you might encounter them:
PCBs are harmful chemicals still present in many old schools, especially those built or renovated before 1979. They were commonly used in construction materials and electrical equipment due to their durability and insulating properties. It’s estimated that between 13,000 and 26,000 schools in the U.S. may have PCBs. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and neurological problems.
PCBs can be found in:
Removing PCBs is costly and can strain school budgets. Schools in low-income areas face even greater difficulties, leading to health and financial inequalities. While some states are testing for PCBs, there is no national requirement. Increased federal support is needed for cleanup efforts, with costs estimated between $25 billion and $50 billion.
PCBs can pose serious health risks. Certain groups of people are more likely to be exposed to these harmful chemicals. Here’s a look at who is most at risk:
Exposure to PCBs can cause a range of health problems, depending on the level and duration of contact. Here are common symptoms of PCB exposure to be aware of:
If you think you’ve been exposed to PCBs, consult with a healthcare professional and consider your legal options to address any health concerns.
Exposure to PCBs is linked to a higher risk of several cancers. Here are key concerns:
Reducing exposure to PCBs is important for your health. Here’s how you can lower your risk:
A PCB lawsuit is a legal action against companies responsible for manufacturing or improperly disposing of PCB chemicals, which have caused environmental contamination and harmful exposure. One of the most prominent examples is the Monsanto PCB lawsuit, as Monsanto produced 99% of all PCBs sold in the U.S. before they were banned. These lawsuits seek to hold companies accountable for the health issues and environmental damage linked to PCB exposure.
People filing PCB lawsuits may seek compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and the costs of cleaning up contaminated sites.
Legal claims in PCB lawsuits typically revolve around several key areas depending on the harm caused by PCB exposure. Here’s an outline of the main grounds for pursuing a PCB lawsuit:
These legal grounds aim to hold responsible parties accountable for the damage caused by PCB contamination.
If you’ve been exposed to PCBs and are facing health problems, taking legal action may be an option. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
Though the process can be complex, the right legal support can help you pursue justice and compensation for your suffering.
If you’ve been exposed to PCBs and are filing a lawsuit, you could be eligible for different types of compensation:
Your lawyer will use medical records and expert testimony to connect your PCB exposure to your health problems and strengthen your case for fair compensation.
Monsanto has agreed to pay up to $550 million to settle a class action lawsuit over PCB contamination. What are PCBs and why are they toxic? PCBs are harmful chemicals that can persist in the environment and cause serious health issues.
The court approved the settlement in March 2022, with final approval in March 2023. However, payments are on hold until all appeals are resolved. The lawsuit claims that Monsanto’s PCB production from the 1930s until 1977 caused serious environmental damage. The claims include defective design, failure to warn, and property damage from PCB contamination.
The Monsanto class action settlement will fund various cleanup and restoration efforts. It sets up funds for monitoring, cleaning up, and restoring affected water systems, including the Monitoring Fund, TMDL Fund, Sediments Fund, and Special Needs Fund.
The settlement affects many cities, including Baltimore, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Monsanto denies wrongdoing but chose to settle to avoid a lengthy legal battle. This agreement aims to address the environmental damage from PCB contamination.
If you’ve been affected by PCB exposure, you deserve justice. PCBs are known to pose serious risks, and whether you’re dealing with cancer, environmental damage, or other health issues, pursuing a PCB lawsuit can help hold responsible companies accountable. Understanding your legal options is crucial in protecting your rights and seeking compensation. Contact a toxic exposure attorney at Ethen Ostroff Law to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Nicholas began his post-graduate career clerking for the Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. From there, he quickly found his calling in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security disability law—areas where he could directly impact people’s lives in moments of crisis. He’s helped clients navigate complex legal claims, including securing a settlement exceeding $300,000.
Nicholas brings clear communication, genuine empathy, and an unrelenting drive to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. Whether he’s navigating a complex workers’ comp claim or pushing for a major settlement, he brings focus, dedication, and deep legal knowledge to every case.
He’s also a proud member of Pennsylvania Advocates for Justice and remains active in various professional legal organizations. Nicholas is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
When he’s not fighting for the injured, Nicholas is enjoying time with his family, kicking a soccer ball around, hitting the golf course, or cheering on Pittsburgh’s local teams.
Joe Ring heads the workers’ compensation department at Ethen Ostroff Law, where he takes pride in fighting for injured workers.
Joe is a Philadelphia native and maintains deep roots in the area. As the grandson of a Philadelphia Firefighter, son of a Philadelphia public school teacher, and veteran of the United State Marine Corps, he was taught to value service, dedication, and hard work. He applies these values to every case and takes great satisfaction in representing hard-working clients with those same traits.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Vincent College in Western Pennsylvania, he graduated from Villanova Law School in 2012 and, since then, has litigated hundreds of workers’ compensation hearings and trial depositions on behalf of both employers and injured workers. During this time, Mr. Ring has written articles and presented Continuing Legal Education courses on developments in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law. He is active in local professional organizations, and, in 2022, he served a Co-chairperson of the Philadelphia Bar Associations Workers’ Compensation Section.
Since coming to EOL in 2024, he has dedicated his practice entirely to helping injured workers navigate the system and obtain their rightful benefits.
Joe is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
Brandon Zanan heads the personal injury claim department with Ethen Ostroff Law.
Brandon’s education in both law and medicine assist him in expertly representing badly injured victims. Brandon has a Master’s Degree in Forensic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a concentration in anatomy and pathology. With this knowledge, Brandon is skilled at analyzing medical records and understanding injuries that are common in personal injury claims. He uses this expertise in conjunction with listening carefully to each client’s needs, in order to fiercely advocate for clients and tell their stories when they would not otherwise have a voice.
Brandon’s background includes a variety of experience and skills in various areas of civil practice. He is the author and editor of numerous books for the George T. Bisel Publishing Company, including “Pennsylvania Damages” and the “Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Annotated,” two texts that are frequently relied on by lawyers and judges across Pennsylvania as authoritative resources on personal injury law.
Brandon is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations. He is also a member of Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and has served as an executive board member of the Montgomery American Inn of Court.
He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Middle District of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Brandon has represented many clients in motor vehicle, premises liability, animal bite, and products liability cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has obtained outstanding results with millions of dollars recovered for his clients.
He has been named a Pennsylvania Rising Star from 2021 onward. The “Super Lawyers-Rising Star®”, list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state
Brandon currently lives in Malvern with his wife Rachel and their son Max.
Effective Date: July 10, 2024
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