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The Alcoa Properties Superfund site in East St. Louis, IL has a dark history connected to radiation in St. Louis. For over 100 years, the site has been the source of hazardous chemicals and toxins, including radioactive materials, that have had a devastating impact on the health of those living near the site. The St. Louis environmental lawyers at OnderLaw is now helping to bring justice to those affected by these toxic chemicals by filing lawsuits against the company responsible for them.

The History of Alcoa Properties Superfund Site in East St. Louis, IL

The Alcoa Properties Superfund Site in East St. Louis, IL, has a dark and troubling history that dates back over a century. The site was home to an aluminum refinery that began operations on-site in 1902 and continued until the late 1950s. During this time, the refinery generated a large amount of hazardous waste, including heavy metals and other toxic chemicals.

Today, the Alcoa Properties Superfund Site is divided into two operable units (OU-1 and OU-2) that are being addressed through the Superfund program. Unfortunately, the environmental impact of the site extends beyond just the contamination of the surrounding soil and groundwater.

In recent years, there have been reports of radiation and radium contamination in St. Louis, which some experts believe may be connected to the Alcoa Properties Superfund Site.

As St. Louis environmental lawyers, our attorneys at OnderLaw have been closely following the developments at the Alcoa Properties Superfund Site and the potential health effects associated with exposure to radiation and heavy metals.

Chemicals Found at the Alcoa Properties Superfund Site

The Alcoa Properties Superfund site in East St. Louis, IL, is notorious for its contamination with a variety of hazardous chemicals, including radium, heavy metals, and other toxic substances. Radium, a highly radioactive element, was used by the Alcoa Company during the early 1900s.

Radium is a known carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer in humans. Prolonged exposure to radium can lead to the development of bone cancer, as the radiation emitted by the element damages DNA and disrupts cell function. Moreover, heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, were also found at the Alcoa Properties Superfund site. These heavy metals are known to cause a range of health problems, including neurological damage, organ failure, and developmental disorders.

The presence of these toxic chemicals at the Alcoa Properties Superfund site poses a significant threat to the health of both the workers at the site and the surrounding community. Even minimal exposure to radium and heavy metals can have severe health consequences. It is crucial for individuals living near the site to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.

Given the link between exposure to radium and heavy metals and the development of various health issues, including cancer, individuals who have been affected by the contamination at the Alcoa Properties Superfund site may be eligible to file lawsuits. These lawsuits could seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and other damages resulting from exposure to these toxic chemicals.

Potential Lawsuits

Given the hazardous chemicals present at the Alcoa Properties Superfund site, it is no surprise that many of the individuals living in the surrounding areas have experienced a range of adverse health effects. Cancer, respiratory problems, and neurological disorders are just a few of the potential consequences of exposure to the toxins at this site. For those who have been impacted, the possibility of filing a lawsuit is a real one.

OnderLawyers is a well-known St. Louis environmental law firm that specializes in representing individuals who have been harmed by environmental toxins. Our expertise in mass tort and class action litigation has led us to be well-positioned to advocate for those impacted by the Alcoa Properties Superfund site.

As our firm investigates the potential for legal action, there are a number of factors that will need to be taken into consideration. For instance, we will need to identify the specific individuals who have been affected and assess the severity of their health problems. Additionally, we will need to prove that any illnesses experienced by those living or working near the site are in fact related to the contamination found at this site.

These factors will need to be taken into account before any legal action can be initiated. However, given the clear link between exposure to toxins at the Alcoa Properties Superfund site and the health problems of individuals living nearby, our Illinois environmental lawyers will be dedicated to seeking justice for those affected by this Superfund site or any Superfund site in Illinois.

If you or your community has been impacted by the chemicals found at the Alcoa Properties Superfund site, or any Superfund site, click here to speak with our St. Louis environmental lawyers today.