our current project
Cancer Cluster Investigation
Specialty Records/WEA Manufacturing/Cinram/Technicolor
Background
We have identified a concerning cancer cluster among those who worked at the above-mentioned facilities. We have confirmed over 200 cancer cases in total.
Unfortunately, there are nearly 200 more former employees whose deaths still remain “unknown”. Meaning, the above mentioned 200 already confirmed cancer cases, can potentially be over 400!
To address this issue, we are hosting a Q&A session at the Throop Community Civic Center to discuss the devastating implications of prolonged industrial chemical exposure that happened at this plant and outlining our next steps in seeking justice, support, and accountability.
OUR GOAL: To raise enough money to hire a private investigator who will help determine the cause of death for our “unknown” and help identify any additional victims.
Hazardous Materials
Chemicals were used at these plants without proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Some chemicals used were: trichloroethylene (TCE), titanium acetylacetonate (TAA), methanol, ammonium hydroxide, methyl isobutyl keytone (MIBK), positive photoresists, nickel sulfamate, sulfuric acid, boric acid, black lacquer, Cobehn solutions, cyanide and benzene among other potentially hazardous substances.
Congressman Matt Cartwright
In a letter to Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, Cartwright requested an investigation into chemicals used in the former Specialty Records/WEA Manufacturing/Cinram/Technicolor plant(s) in Olyphant.
His successor, Rob Bresnahan (R-8th) has promised to continue to look into what could be hundreds of illnesses identified by former members of the facility.
You can read the full letter from Cartwright here.
News Media Coverage
The Times-Tribune: (Sunday Edition Front Page):
Dunmore woman leads investigation into cancer rates at former Cinram, WEA
WYOU I-Team:
Former employees call for health investigation
The Times-Tribune:
Cartwright: Investigate cancer, deaths among former Specialty Records/WEA/Cinram workers
WVIA:
Cartwright calls for investigation into cancer cluster among former Olyphant plant workers
Fundraising Efforts
We are seeking sponsorship and financial support from local businesses to assist with funding this critical investigation. In addition, we would be deeply grateful for donations, participation, or any form of assistance that can help raise awareness and ensure a successful event, such as donating refreshments or snacks.
We will be selling Rubber Lavender Awareness Bracelets for $5.00 each and Enamel Lavender Cancer Survivor Pins for $3.00 each.
100% of the proceeds from the merchandise sale will go towards hiring the private investigator we need to help determine the cause of death for our “unknown” and help identify any additional victims.
Your support will not only help in uncovering the truth behind this tragedy but also in advocating for those affected and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
- If you are interested in sponsoring or contributing to this cause, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
- We would also love for everyone to attend the event to learn more about the impact this disaster has had on our community.
Help Our Cause
Your support will enable us
to meet our goals and
fund our mission.
Our organization has been issued an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is recognized as a tax-exempt entity. As a result, your generous donation is tax-deductible.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you!
We love our community, so feel free to call, text, or email us.
Lackawanna County, PA
