INVESTIGATION INTO CANCER CASES AMONG FORMER EMPLOYEES

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 Focus:

The goal of L.C.O.P. is to investigate and document whether former employees were exposed to hazardous, cancer-causing chemicals without proper protective equipment, and to hold responsible parties accountable where wrongdoing is found.

We will gather verifiable information, review public records, and use Right-to-Know and FOIA laws to obtain transparency, while seeking clarification from agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regarding environmental conditions and regulatory oversight.

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, disposed of, or handled improperly.
Situations where safety protocols may not have been followed.

Your experience, knowledge, and information could be vital to uncovering the truth.

Reported Findings (Preliminary Documentation):

Based on information collected from families, public records, and available documentation:

110+ former employees have been reported as having died from cancer.
190+ additional former employees are listed as deceased with cause of death currently under review.
100+ former employees are reported to be currently living with cancer diagnoses.

These figures reflect documented reports collected to date and continue to be reviewed as additional records become available.

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.

Disclaimer – Medical and Legal:

L.C.O.P. does not provide medical diagnoses, legal determinations, or advice regarding causation. All information shared is for documentation, transparency, and public awareness purposes only.

Disclaimer – Sources and Allegations:

This project is based on publicly available records, family-submitted reports, official agency documents obtained through public records requests (including FOIA and Pennsylvania RTKL requests). L.C.O.P. does not allege wrongdoing by any individual or entity. Our role is to facilitate independent review and encourage official clarification from appropriate authorities.

Disclaimer – Legal Action and Representation:
Participation in legal action or claims for compensation requires individual consultation with a licensed attorney. L.C.O.P. does not provide legal representation or advice. Individuals are strongly encouraged to consult with legal counsel, such as Toz Law, for guidance on potential claims or recovery.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

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

High-Risk Toxins Handled Without Mandated Personal Protective Gear or Safety Training:

Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Vinyl Chloride (Chloroethene)
Benzene
UV Lacquer
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA)
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Mist
Cadmium
Nickel Compounds
Lead Compounds
Cobalt Compounds

Among other potentially hazardous substances.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC’S) - AIR POLLUTANTS

Some Examples:

1. Trichloroethylene (TCE) – Classified as a known human carcinogen (Group 1 by IARC). It is strongly linked to kidney cancer, and there is also evidence of an association with liver cancer and 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. Vinyl Chloride (Chloroethene) – A well-established human carcinogen (Group 1 by IARC). It is strongly linked to brain, liver, and lung cancers.

4. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) – Classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A by IARC). Long-term exposure has been linked to bladder cancer and possibly multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

5. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Mist – Used as a solvent and disinfectant. While not classified as a carcinogen, it is a significant respiratory and eye irritant. In mist or vapor form, it can cause dizziness, headaches, and central nervous system depression if inhaled in high concentrations.

"In 2001, the Olyphant facility reported emitting nearly 100 tons of VOCs, primarily Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), into our air. This volume is nearly 20 times higher than many standard industrial operations and pushed the facility to the absolute limit of federal 'Major Source' thresholds under the Clean Air Act. While management downplayed the risk, scientific records show that heavy IPA inhalation is linked to the very Liver and Kidney cancer our former employees are now reporting. The true danger lay in its systemic impact: by overwhelming the liver and kidneys of those exposed, it effectively dismantled the body’s natural filtration systems. This didn’t just cause organ failure, it stripped away the biological defenses required to fight off the more aggressive, cancer-causing agents circulating throughout the plant."

"Our geography made us a target. The high-velocity winds coming off the Waymart ridge acted as a conveyor belt, carrying the tons of industrial toxins from the Olyphant facility and funneling them directly into the homes of Olyphant, Throop, and Dunmore. The cancer clusters we see today aren't a coincidence, they are located exactly where the wind and the valley floor meet.

How it works: On many nights and early mornings, cool air from the mountain ridges sinks into the valley floor, trapping a layer of warmer air above it.
The Impact: This creates a literal "lid" over the borough. Instead of the tons of VOCs (Isopropyl Alcohol, PCE, TCE) drifting up and away, the inversion layer forces them back down toward the ground. For hours at a time, the community is essentially breathing in a concentrated "soup" of whatever the facility emitted that day."

METALLIC & INORGANIC 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 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. This statement appears inconsistent with documented reports of illness and at least one confirmed death that had occurred prior to the letter.

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.

HAZARDOUS DRUMS BURRIED - 1999

Location: Fern Hill Warehouse - WEA Storage Facility - Across the street from the Main WEA/Cinram facility.

In 1999, forty-eight drums of toxic waste, including high-concentration carcinogens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and heavy metals were unearthed just feet from our neighborhoods. These 'poisons' don't stay in the dirt; they turn into gas and rise into our homes. We want an investigation into vapor intrusion to protect the families living in the shadow of this site. Validated laboratory results indicate the presence of:

Benzene - Associated with Leukemia Cancer
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) - associated with Bladder/Kidney/Liver Cancer
Trichloroethylene (TCE) - associated with Bladder/Kidney/Liver Cancer
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA) - associated with Neurological/Heart Effects
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - associated with Liver Cancer/Reproductive Issues
1,1-Dichloroethylene - associated with Liver/Kidney Cancer
Vinyl Chloride (Chloroethene) - associated with Liver/Brain/Lung/Leukemia 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
Chloroform - associated with Kidney/Liver/Colon 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 (for example, the EPA).

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 (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act) and RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) require prompt reporting of any hazardous releases or contamination to appropriate regulators, including the EPA . If required disclosures were not made, then WEA/Cinram would be in violation.

Note: L.C.O.P. 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**

DEP SOIL TESTING - 2020

Location: 1400 E Lackawanna Ave - Main WEA/Cinram facility - 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**

HELP FROM CONGRESS

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

See more Congressman Rob Bresnahan updates

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.

Choosing the Right Legal Representation

This investigation didn't start overnight and neither did the legal work behind it.

From the very beginning of this investigation, our community has worked closely with Toz Law. They have taken the time to listen, understand the history of the facility, review documentation, and stand alongside affected individuals and families as this situation has unfolded.

Because of the growing attention surrounding these cases, additional law firms may begin reaching out or advertising their services. While individuals are always free to choose the legal representation they feel most comfortable with, we encourage you to consider firms that have been involved from the start and have a deep understanding of the facts, the timeline, and the people impacted.

Toz Law has been committed to this effort since its early stages, working directly with the Lackawanna Citizens' Overwatch Project and members of the community. That continuity and firsthand knowledge can make a meaningful difference.

We recommend doing your research, asking questions, and choosing a legal team that is not only qualified but also genuinely invested in this community and its outcomes.