West Virginia: Our health is still affected by toxic water

Latest

Tonya Schuler, Paden City Water Crisis organizer, maps illnesses possibly connected to PCE’s in water. Of 150 households surveyed, there are 78 cancers, including 11 brain cancers.

 
PADEN CITY, WV — The local water authority tested the water at our taps. It detected no contamination from PCE [perchloroethylene] but we expect to be on the EPA’s Superfund list or federal National Priorities list. This is the worst of the worst lists. On a good note, being on these lists makes our city eligible for funding that we all will use to get our houses tested by the EPA for tap water contamination or vapor intrusions. (See our online meeting with the EPA on facebook.com)
We as citizens of Paden City are looking at the possibility of being exposed through water and from vapor in our homes and businesses. The EPA is starting the second phase of this investigation and will hopefully have results shortly after. I just don’t want anyone to have a false security that we are safe!
We are showing non detect in our water systems but we are sitting on top of serious PCE contamination. EPA said we are looking at an estimate of 63 acres of a plume of PCE under our town. That’s a big plume. Remember these are just guidelines. It is never safe to be exposed to this chemical.
I’m doing our health surveys and they are proving some serious health concerns. We’re seeing clusters of extremely rare diseases in this town. Many cases of cancer and serious neurological disorders here are totally ignored. We know we’ve been exposed to PCE, per EPA’s own records.
I’m hoping this health survey will prove that no amount of PCE exposure is OK. I’m not trying to scare anyone, but am asking residents to please do their homework and call the EPA with all questions and concerns. They want to hear from us! Being looked at for a Superfund site is a very serious problem!
Stay safe and let’s keep working together to make our wonderful town safe. We will not know the answer for sure until the EPA’s investigation is complete. They will have another meeting to update us on their findings.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Trump Demands End to Birthright Citizenship Ahead of Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court is expected to hand down a ruling on Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship by July. Trump publicly pressured the court recently to rule in his favor.

Voters Rights Coup Shakes Foundation of Our Fragile Democracy

The dismantling of voting rights directed at the African American community can only be described as re-traumatizing and opening old painful wounds in this long-suffering community. Yet this community is rising and resisting. But if the resistance takes the form of African Americans fighting alone, can the assault be overcome?

Protestors Gather Outside Michigan ICE Facility, Immigrant Detainees Launch Hunger Strike

Citing dangerous conditions, lack of adequate food and medical care, and cruel legal obstacles that keep many in captivity for months, protesters gather outside as several hundred detainees go on hunger strike at the ICE North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, MI.

We’re ‘Still Trying to Wage Peace,’ Says Veterans for Peace Member

Stephen Bare of Veterans for Peace Chapter 11 in Santa Cruz, CA, describes how the chapter is regrouping and renewing its efforts to "wage peace."

Nothing Makes Money Like War

The cost of war is astounding — in terms of lives lost, tax dollars spent and human suffering as social programs are cut to pay for war spending. But, giant corporations, billionaires, politicians and others in high places, profit immensely from war.

More from the People's Tribune