Benzene Exposure Risk
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"N.J. Discovers Daycare Benzene Dangers" February 8, 2007 The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has discovered groundwater contaminated with benzene, and other hazardous chemicals near 60 daycare centers around the state. The DEP has ordered prompt testing to determine whether children at these centers are exposed to hazardous vapors or drinking water. The DEP found nine months ago that at Kiddie Kollege daycare in Gloucester County, children were playing in a building that used to be a thermometer factory and was polluted with mercury. Since then, it has reviewed the locations of day cares to determine whether they are near sites that are known to be contaminated. About 700 were found to be within 400 feet of contaminated areas. Kiddie Kollege, and many other daycares were forced to shut down, and others closed voluntarily while DEP inspectors performed tests. DEP Takes Action The DEP has ordered owners of contaminated properties – manufacturers or gas stations with tanks leaking benzene, for the most part – to test the air and water in nearby day-care centers for benzene and other hazardous substances. The DEP later informed owners of land that was found to be polluted that there are very hazardous materials within 400 feet. Benzene is a hazardous substance known to cause leukemia and other blood conditions. Groundwater polluted with benzene can cause toxic vapors to make their way into buildings. Fixing the Problem The DEP gave the owners of these properties 14 days to submit a plan to fix the leaks and clean up the area, along with a work schedule. Required treatments may include installing expensive air venting systems. Those who do not comply may be penalized. “If there’s 60 daycares being impacted, think how many more homes and businesses – probably several hundreds or thousands – that could be impacted,” said Bill Wolfe, environmental advocate and former DEP advisor. Harmed by Benzene? Contact us for a no-obligation, no-charge consultation with an experienced benzene exposure attorney who can help you recover the compensation you and your family may be entitled to. Click here for more Benzene News...
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