CANCER CLUSTER INVESTIGATION
SPECIALTY RECORDS/ WEA MANUFACTURING/ CINRAM/ TECHNICOLOR
210 N Valley Ave, Olyphant, PA 18447 (1946 - 1979)
1400 E Lackawanna Ave, Olyphant, PA 18447 (1979 - 2018)
Our current primary initiative is investigating a cancer cluster among former employees with the goal of securing justice and accountability.
Background
Our Current Primary Initiative:
Investigating a cancer cluster among former employees of the Olyphant facility.
How You Can Help:
If you have any information that could assist our investigation, please come forward, especially if you know anything about:
- Chemicals used at the facility and how they were handled.
- Locations where materials may have been buried or dumped illegally.
- Times when supervisors or managers asked you to do something unsafe or ignored safety protocols.
Your experience, knowledge, and information could be vital to uncovering the truth.
Share Your Experience & Information
Cancer Cluster Findings (So Far):
- 200+ former employees have been confirmed dead from cancer.
- 150+ additional deaths are listed as “unknown”, we are investigating to see if these are also cancer related.
- This means the total cancer deaths could exceed 350.
And that number reflects only those who have already died.
- 100+ former employees are still alive but currently battling cancer.
- Altogether, there are 450+ confirmed or suspected victims linked to this facility and the true total is likely much higher.
- When you include thousands of temp workers who passed through the plant over decades, many still unaccounted for, the real number of victims may reach into the thousands.
We believe the number of former employees diagnosed with cancer far exceeds what is considered "normal", and that their exposure to industrial hazardous chemicals is the cause.
Ultimate End Goal:
We want this 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 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.
OSHA VIOLATIONS
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. 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 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 - $300 OSHA Fine.
HAZARDOUS DRUMS BURRIED - 1999
Location: Fern Hill Warehouse - WEA Storage Facility
The buried drums excavated at the Fern Hill Warehouse site (across the street from the main facility) 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
Evidence suggests that state and federal authorities were never fully notified of the true scope of contamination, meaning the EPA was never notified.
This was not by accident, but through deliberate concealment. By withholding required disclosures, WEA/Cinram appears to have violated federal environmental reporting laws, including EPCRA and RCRA, which mandate that any hazardous releases or contamination be promptly reported to regulators.
This kind of intentional failure to notify authorities isn’t just unethical, it’s illegal, and it prevented the public from ever learning the full extent of the danger posed by the toxic, cancer-causing chemicals buried on-site.
**THIS WAS NEVER MADE PUBLIC**
DEP SOIL TESTING - 2020
Location: 1400 E Lackawanna Ave - Main WEA/Cinram facility
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 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.
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."
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
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 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.
