The next big environmental lawsuit in the pipeline is in the works, and it is not going to be pretty. It has to do with non-toxic polybutylene pipes that have been found to contain carcinogenic levels of benzene. This carcinogenic byproduct of industrial waste is used in a variety of products, including paint, gas lines and roofing material. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was asked to ban the use of this carcinogen in any further applications. The agency has yet to make a final decision as the lawsuit continues. If it decides to sue, it will most likely join a growing crowd of suits being filed across the country over this dangerous chemical.
So far, the EPA has settled with companies that produce vinyl replacement liners for use in homes. These liners were never designed to contain chemicals of this magnitude and many of them have now been banned altogether. Those that remain in use are treated with chlorination after they have been filled; a process that is not without danger to homeowners. When an electrical current is passed through one of these polybutylene pipes, there is a possibility that the vapor can become airborne and then enter nearby homes and buildings.
There are other dangers lurking in the tap water supply of millions of homes across the country. In addition to the health hazards that include nausea, headaches and dizziness, there is also a danger from toxic chemical vapors that can trigger headaches, skin irritations and even cause chemical burns in those who are sensitive to the chemicals. This is why a polybutylene pipe lawsuit is being considered, and there is no clear indication when these harmful products will be banned entirely.
A group of pregnant women in Iceland were recently diagnosed with cancer after consuming certain types of plastics in the home. The plastics in question were polybutylene pipe joints, and the chemical compound in question was a carcinogen known as TCE or tetraethyl ester. The symptoms began to surface shortly after the women consumed the plastics. The cancer spread and the tumors have now spread to their brains and other areas of the body. This case is currently being handled by the United States Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency. They are currently investigating the case and considering legal actions.
A group of geese recently had to be euthanized because they were ill with cancerous tumors inside their digestive tracts. The compound that was believed to be causing their illnesses was TCE. An individual in Florida was recently diagnosed with Lupus, a disease brought on by the abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to a compound in the environment. Although the condition was not publicly known at the time, tests are currently being run to find out what the source of the antibodies may be. As this is an ongoing situation, there is no polybutylene pipe lawsuit 2018.
Recently a man died in his home after having been exposed to one of these toxic compounds without warning. The incident occurred when the man ate some type of contaminated food and then continued to consume it. Since the toxic chemical has been linked to numerous health conditions, the man may have been suffering from asbestosis, emphysema, lung cancer, and various types of cancer. Since the exposure did not occur in a place where he worked or lived, the man is not legally responsible for any health damages since the harm did not occur without warning.