West Virginia Cancer Lawsuits Filed Over Contamination Near Nitro

Nearly 150 lawsuits have been filed in West Virginia against the chemical and agricultural giant Monsanto, accusing the company of contaminating air, soil and water near the town of Nitro, just west of Charleston.

Approximately 97 environmental tort lawsuits were filed this week in Putnam Circuit Court against Monsanto and successor companies, according to the West Virginia Record. These filings join about 50 other cases brought earlier this month

The complaints were filed by area residents who claim to have developed cancer and other health problems as a result of dioxin releases between 1934 and 2000 from a tricholophenol plant owned and managed by Monsanto. The plaintiffs allege Monsanto management unlawfully disposed of dioxin-laden chemicals by burning them in open pits, releasing the known carcinogen into the environment.

The cancer lawsuits seek compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and also seek punitive damages. There is also a Nitro, West Virginia class action lawsuit pending against Monsanto for current and former residents, seeking the cost of long-term medical monitoring for potential cancer and other ailments that may result from dioxin exposure.

Monsanto manufactured an herbicide at the Nitro, West Virginia plant between 1949 and 1970, which resulted in the escape of dibenzo dioxins and dibenzo furans into the air during illegal burns, according to the complaints. The plant also produced rubber products and Agent Orange.

Dioxin is listed as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, and has been also linked to birth defects, infertility, learning disabilities, and can negatively impact the immune system.