Unveiling the Shadows: The PCB Crisis in Hartford City Schools Exposed

A Critical Examination of Response and Responsibility

In the wake of mounting evidence pointing to significant PCB exposure risks within Hartford, Connecticut’s schools built between 1950 and 1979, a disturbing development has emerged, suggesting a potential cover-up by local authorities leading to a cancer outbreak. This situation underscores not just an environmental health crisis but a profound breach of public trust.

The Situation Unfolds

As community concern over the presence of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in schools like John C. Clark Elementary and Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School reached a crescendo, a response from the state and city officials aimed to quell fears. A memo, purportedly assuring that everything was under control and dismissing the need for cancer screenings related to PCB exposure, was released to the public. This attempt to allay fears, however, was soon overshadowed by revelations from a private environmental firm. The firm’s findings not only confirmed the risk of PCB exposure but also brought to light the extent of potential health hazards facing students and staff—a stark contradiction to the assurances given by public officials.

The Implications of Non-Testing

This orchestrated reassurance strategy had significant implications. First and foremost, it undermined the urgency of conducting comprehensive PCB tests in affected schools, thereby delaying necessary interventions to safeguard public health. Moreover, the absence of mandated testing for PCBs allowed for the continued use and renovation of old buildings without public scrutiny or awareness. Such actions—or the lack thereof—raise critical questions about transparency and accountability in addressing environmental health risks. In 2015, a hidden danger was unearthed within the walls of The Clark School in Hartford, Connecticut. During a routine sprinkler installation, alarming levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – a toxic substance once common in building materials – were detected, leading to the school’s immediate closure. This discovery sparked a critical legal confrontation, questioning the responsibility of Monsanto, the primary manufacturer of PCBs, for the financial burden of demolishing the contaminated structure. The city quickly sued Monsanto for environmental damages but never filed a suit on behalf of plaintiffs’ injuries.

Our Mission

We stand at the forefront of seeking justice and reparations for the affected communities of Hartford. With over $1 billion estimated for cleansing the blighted edifices of education, our legal endeavors extend beyond the financial to address the profound health repercussions endured by former students and faculty.

A Legacy of Public Neglect

Recent findings have linked the PCB exposure to significantly elevated cancer rates among past attendees and faculty of not only The Clark School but also other educational institutions in Hartford remodeled with similar materials. Despite these alarming developments, PCB testing remains unmandated in Hartford’s schools, a stark contrast to the statutory requirements for asbestos and lead.

Our Legal Expertise

Our team is dedicated to confronting this oversight, leveraging our expertise in environmental law to champion the rights and well-being of those impacted. We are calling for immediate action, advocating for mandatory PCB testing in schools built or renovated between 1950 and 1979 – a time when the use of PCB-containing materials was rampant.

Global Accountability

The production and utilization of PCBs were not confined to a single entity. Globally recognized corporations, including Bayer AG, Solvay S.A., Swan Chemical Inc., Kaneka Corporation, and even General Electric, have played roles in the distribution and application of PCBs. Our legal approach is comprehensive, targeting all potential avenues for accountability.

Your Voice Matters

The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s 2017 statement on Clark School’s PCB levels was a mere whisper in a storm of concern. Now, as our community faces an alarming rise in cancer diagnoses, the need for legal intervention has never been more critical.

Join Our Cause

If you or a loved one attended The Clark School, Annie Fisher School, Batchelder School, or Kinsella School and have suffered health consequences that could be linked to PCB exposure, we urge you to come forward. Your story is powerful, and together, we can demand the justice and safety our community deserves.