INVESTIGATION INTO CANCER CASES

Chemicals were used at these plants without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  

Some cancer-causing chemicals used without a respirator or gloves:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• 1,1-Dichloroethylene (Vinyl Chloride)
• Benzene 
• UV Lacquer
• Sulfuric Acid
• Cadmium 
• Nickel Compounds 
• Lead Compounds
• Cobalt Compounds

Among other potentially hazardous substances.

Some Examples:

1. Tetrachloroethylene (TCE) – Classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Long-term exposure has been linked to kidney cancer and possibly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. Benzene – A well-established human carcinogen (Group 1 by IARC). It is strongly linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.

3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – While PVC itself is not classified as a carcinogen, its manufacturing and breakdown can release Vinyl Chloride, which is a known human carcinogen (Group 1 by IARC). It is strongly linked to liver and brain cancers.

4. Nickel Sulfamate – Nickel compounds are classified as carcinogenic (Group 1 by IARC). Long-term exposure is linked to lung and nasal cancers.

5. Sulfuric Acid (Strong Inorganic Acid Mists Containing Sulfuric Acid) – While sulfuric acid itself is not inherently carcinogenic, exposure to mists containing it has been classified as a known human carcinogen (Group 1 by IARC) due to increased risks of lung and laryngeal cancer.

Some Examples:

1. Ferric and its Compounds (Iron) – Iron itself is not classified as a carcinogen. However, excessive iron accumulation in the body can contribute to oxidative stress, which may be linked to cancer development.

2. Cobalt and Its Compounds – Some cobalt compounds are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B by IARC). Prolonged exposure, especially through inhalation in industrial settings, has been associated with increased cancer risk.

3. Nickel and Its Compounds – Nickel compounds are classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1 by IARC). Chronic exposure, particularly to nickel dust and soluble nickel compounds, has been linked to lung and nasal cancers.

Some Examples of DEP Violations:

• Failure to prevent leakage of hazardous materials.
• Containers of hazardous waste not closed during storage (multiple times).
• Containers of hazardous waste stored for more than 90 days (multiple times).
• Prevention and Contingency Plan not developed and implemented.
• Operation of an air contamination source subject manner inconsistent with good operating practices.
• Failure to obtain a plan approval for the construction or modification of a cleaning device.

We have a letter from October 1993 sent from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that says: "there have been no reported cases of chemical illness", in response to a former employee making a health complaint. This statement appears inconsistent with documented reports of illness and at least one confirmed death that had occurred prior to the letter. 

In contrary, by the time that letter was sent, there was already one confirmed death caused by the chemical exposure to Benzene. Along with numerous OSHA complaints made by employees.

Some Examples of Employee Complaints:  

• An employee made a complaint saying: "There are buried barrels containing vinyl chloride" - OSHA Inspectors were assured there was no violations at the time of their visit, so no fine was issued.
• An employee made a complaint saying: "Employees are instructed to dump chemicals down drains that go to the Lackawanna River" - OSHA Inspectors were assured there was no violations at the time of their visit, so no fine was issued.
• An employee made a complaint saying: "Employees are instructed to dispose of chemicals and lacquers in regular trash" - OSHA Inspectors were assured there was no violations at the time of their visit, so no fine was issued.
• An employee made a complaint saying: "Material buried under the facility is starting to resurface" - OSHA Inspectors were assured there was no violations at the time of their visit (14 days later), so no fine was issued.

Some Examples of OSHA Violations:

• Failed to train employees about chemical hazards and proper chemical handling. 
• Lacked a chemical hygiene plan. 
• Failure to submit emission statements.
• Denied or failed to inform employees of their exposure/medical records. 
• Citation in July 1993 for violating a standard which governs exposure to Benzene.
• Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals: Vinyl Chloride and Benzene - Records show a $300 OSHA Fine.

Location: Fern Hill Warehouse - WEA Storage Facility

Records show that drums excavated at the Fern Hill Warehouse site in 1999 contained a mixture of chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, and heavy metals. Validated laboratory results indicate the presence of: 

•  Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) - associated with Kidney/Liver Cancer
•  Trichloroethylene (TCE) - associated with Kidney/Liver Cancer
•  Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - associated with Liver Cancer/Reproductive Issues 
•  1,1-Dichloroethylene (Vinyl Chloride) - associated with Liver/Lung Cancer
•  Cadmium - associated with Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer
•  Nickel Compounds - associated with Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer
•  Lead Compounds - associated with Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer
•  Cobalt Compounds - associated with Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer

Based on a review of publicly available documentation and correspondence, there is no documentation that all relevant state or federal regulatory agencies were notified at the time of the excavation.

Based on the records reviewed so far, there appear to have been significant gaps in disclosure and reporting. Whether these gaps were due to oversight, miscommunication, or other factors remains unclear and warrants further investigation.

Federal environmental reporting laws, including EPCRA and RCRA, require prompt reporting of any hazardous releases or contamination to appropriate regulators, including the EPA. If required disclosures were not made, WEA/Cinram may have been in violation of these reporting requirements.

Note: LCOP does not allege intentional wrongdoing by any party. Our focus is on documenting available records, gathering firsthand accounts, and requesting clarification from appropriate regulatory authorities to ensure full transparency regarding the historical handling and disposal of hazardous materials. 

** Based on our review of public records, there is no documentation indicating that this hazardous material discovery was ever disclosed to the surrounding community**

Location: 1400 E Lackawanna Ave - Main WEA/Cinram building - Currently the CANPACK Building

We have a memo from 2020 to the Environmental Program Manager describing the removal of toxic levels of Cobalt and Selenium from 99 acres of property totaling about 35 tons of soil. “9 areas of concern were identified at the site based on previously conducted phases. A total of 50 soil samples and 6 sub-slab soil gas samples were collected and analyzed… Cobalt and Selenium were identified above the non-residential Statewide Health Standards (SHS) in 3 of the areas of concern…. 2 wells at the center of the site contained concentrations of Aluminum, Iron, Lead, and Manganese above the SHS.”

• Cobalt - Known to cause Lung Cancer/Respiratory Issues
• Selenium - Neurological/Respiratory Issues
• Lead in the Water - Neurological Damage/ Developmental Issues in Children 

** Based on our review of public records, there is no documentation indicating that this hazardous material discovery was ever disclosed to the surrounding community**

In a letter to Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, Congressman Cartwright requested an investigation into chemicals used in the former Specialty Records/ WEA Manufacturing/ Cinram/ Technicolor plant(s) in Olyphant. 

According to WYOU on Dec 20, 2024, 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.

We had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Rob Bresnahan’s staff on June 10, 2025. It has now been months since the meeting, and in that time, more of our former coworkers and neighbors have passed away while still waiting for answers.  

Sep 16, 2025 - We have sent Congressman Bresnahan a follow-up email saying:

"Your team assured us Congressman Bresnahan would be briefed on our meeting, and we are writing now to respectfully ask if there has been any progress or discussion since our meeting. Even a small update would mean a great deal to the families who are holding onto hope that their voices are being heard."

Sep 30, 2025 - We heard back from Congressman Bresnahan's Office: 

"Thank you for checking back. Our office has been in communication with the PA Department of Health regarding the site and information you shared.  We have additional discussions scheduled and will be back in touch following."

Oct 2, 2025 - We heard back from Congressman Bresnahan's Office: 

"We will circle back following that upcoming meeting with PA DOH. If there is anything in addition to material you previously provided, please let us know and we can make sure to get to them as well."

Nov 17, 2025 - We have sent Congressman Bresnahan a follow-up email saying:

"We understand these matters take time, but even a brief update on whether the scheduled discussions have taken place, and whether any next steps have been identified would mean a great deal to the community.

Our group continues to gather documentation and firsthand accounts, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with your office. We deeply appreciate your engagement so far and respectfully ask if you could share any developments since your last message. Thank you again for your attention to this matter and for your continued efforts on behalf of the residents and families impacted."

Mar 6, 2026 - We heard back from Congressman Bresnahan's Office: 

 "We continue to actively engage with Commonwealth officials on the former Specialty Records/WEA Manufacturing/Cinram/Technicolor facility. PA Department of Health, the lead agency in this matter, recently requested to reschedule a meeting with our office.  Following that meeting, we will relay any feedback they provide. Further, if there is any additional information our office could relay to PA Department of Health on your behalf, please let us know."

WVIA - May 17, 2025 - PA Health Dept Says It's Evaluating Cancer Data Around Former Olyphant Plant

The Times-Tribune (Front Page) - Mar 30, 2025 - Dunmore Woman Leads Investigation Into Cancer Rates at Former Cinram, WEA

WBRE/WYOU I-Team -Jan 9, 2025 -  Former Employees Call for Health Investigation 

The Times-Tribune - Dec 20, 2024- Cartwright: Investigate Cancer, Deaths Among Former Specialty Records/WEA/Cinram Workers

WVIA - Dec 20, 2024 - Cartwright Calls for Investigation Into Cancer Cluster Among Former Olyphant Plant Workers

We are seeking sponsorship and financial support from individuals and 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.

We are selling:  

• Lavender Pins $3 -They represent support and awareness for ALL types of cancer. 
• Rubber Awareness Bracelets $5 - Available in Five Styles  

100% of the proceeds from the merchandise sale and donations will go towards collecting public records, interviewing affected families, and raising funds for independent environmental and health experts. 

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.