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Together, we can bring justice and awareness

our current project

Cancer Cluster Investigation

Specialty Records/ WEA Manufacturing/ Cinram/ Technicolor

Our current primary initiative is investigating a cancer cluster among former employees with the goal of securing justice and accountability. 


CLICK HERE FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION

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 hosted a Q&A session at the Throop Community Civic Center on May 17th, 2025 (details here) to discuss the devastating implications of prolonged industrial chemical exposure that happened at this plant and outlined our next steps in seeking justice, support, and accountability. 


OUR FUNDRAISING 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 so we can get one step closer to securing justice and accountability for all victims.


ULTIMATE END GOAL: We want it officially recognized by the Commonwealth and declared a disaster so that people can get medical or burial assistance from the government in some measure. We also want a memorial statue placed near the site, so that nobody forgets what happened there. 

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

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.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC’S) - AIR POLLUTANTS

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).


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.

METALLIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (MOC’S) - CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS

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 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (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.

DEP VIOLATIONS

Some Examples:


  • 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.
  • Failure to submit emission statements.
  • 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.

OSHA VIOLATIONS

We have a letter 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. That was a blatant lie. 


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


Some Examples:


  • Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals: Vinyl Chloride and Benzene - $300 Fine.
  • Reported buried barrels containing vinyl chloride - No Fine.
  • Employees instructed to dump chemicals down drains that go to the Lackawanna River - No Fine.
  • Employees instructed to dispose of chemicals and lacquers in regular trash - No Fine.
  • Material buried under business starting to resurface - No Fine.

HAZARDOUS DRUMS BURRIED - 1999

Location: Fern Hill Warehouse (WEA Storage Facility)


The buried drums excavated at the Fern Hill Warehouse site in 1999 contained a mixture of hazardous chemicals spanning volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, and heavy metals. Here's a breakdown based on validated lab results: 


  •  Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) - Known to cause Kidney/Liver Cancer
  •  Trichloroethylene (TCE) - Known to cause Kidney/Liver Cancer
  •  Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - Known to cause Liver Cancer/Reproductive Issues 
  •  1,1-Dichloroethylene - Also known as Vinyl Chloride - Liver/Lung Cancer
  •  Cadmium - Known to cause Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer
  •  Nickel Compounds - Known to cause Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer
  •  Lead Compounds - Known to cause Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer
  •  Cobalt Compounds - Known to cause Lung/Prostate/Kidney Cancer



**THIS WAS NEVER MADE PUBLIC**

DEP SOIL TESTING - 2020

Location: 1400 E Lackawanna Ave WEA/Cinram site 


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 


**THIS WAS NEVER MADE PUBLIC**

HELP FROM CONGRESS

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, 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 ARTICLES

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 | 28/22 News 


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

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.


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. 

Awareness Bracelets $5.00 each

Awareness Bracelets $5.00 each

Awareness Bracelets $5.00 each

Awareness Bracelets $5.00 each

Awareness Bracelets $5.00 each

Awareness Bracelets $5.00 each

CANCER SURVIVOR PINS $3.00 EACH

CANCER SURVIVOR PINS $3.00 EACH

CANCER SURVIVOR PINS $3.00 EACH

CANCER SURVIVOR PINS $3.00 EACH

CANCER SURVIVOR PINS $3.00 EACH

CANCER SURVIVOR PINS $3.00 EACH

timeline history

Exposure Victim Stories

MORE COMING SOON...

Legal Representation

If you have not already done so, please contact Toczydlowski Law to be added to the claim! 

Download PDF

Lackawanna Citizens' Overwatch Project - L.C.O.P.

Established 2024

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