The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced its proposal to add the Vienna Wells Site in Vienna, Missouri to the federal Superfund National Priorities List. The Vienna site consists of three public drinking wells in which a chemical known as PCE (tetrachloroethylene) has been detected.
PCE is a man-made liquid solvent widely used in dry cleaning and grease removal. According to a report by KRCG News, the contamination originated from an old hat factory located near the city's main well. The factory has been closed for 15 years.
PCE is thought to be a carcinogen and has been linked in tests in laboratory animals to cancer of the liver and kidneys. If there is exposure to PCE, either through drinking or touching contaminated water, or by breathing contaminated air, the risk for harmful health consequences depend on a variety of factors. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), and how the exposure occurred.
If you believe that your health has been damaged by by exposure to environmental toxins, you should immediately consult with medical physicians to insure appropriate medical care.
If your medical condition is severe, you should also consult with knowledgeable legal counsel to determine if you may have legal recourse against those corporations or individuals responsible for the environmental contamination. The experienced attorneys at the law firm of Tatlow, Gump, Faiella & Wheelan, LLC, in Moberly, Missouri, will review your situation and talk with you about your legal options.
