Denka, Dupont Chloroprene Toxic Exposure Class Action Lawsuit Filed: Russell Law Firm, LLC
The Russell Law Firm, LLC has recently filed a chloroprene class action lawsuit against Denka Performance Elastomer and E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co. The lawsuit alleges wrongful conduct committed by Denka and Dupont at its Pontchartrain Works Facility in LaPlace, Louisiana by exposing thousands of people to toxic levels of chloroprene, a chemical classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a likely carcinogen. Results from the EPA concluded that emissions at the facility were many levels above the safety threshold, leading to the EPA’s determination that LaPlace has the highest risk of cancer in the United States.
The class action lawsuit further alleges:
- Denka and Dupont intentionally concealed the chloroprene emissions and their harmful impacts for many years, even after learning of the EPA’s findings concerning chloroprene and the unsafe emission levels at the LaPlace facility;
- Denka and Dupont have violated many Louisiana statutes enacted for the purpose of protecting the public from environmental pollution;
- Denka and Dupont’s conduct amounts to Louisiana constitutional violations on many counts; and
- The Louisiana District Court in St. John the Baptist Parish should issue an injunction prohibiting Denka from emitting chloroprene at levels higher than what the EPA says is safe.
The lawsuit also names the State of Louisiana, through the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Department of Environmental quality for their individual negligent acts related to the emissions of chloroprene at the Pontchartrain Works Facility.
Who Does the Class Action Cover?
The proposed class includes any persons who (1) lived, worked, or attended school in certain zip codes within St. John the Baptist parish from January 1, 2011 through the present; and (2) has experienced one or more of the following symptoms associated with chloroprene: Headaches; Sinus problems; Dizziness; Insomnia; Trouble breathing, Respiratory irritation or other respiratory problems; Chest pains; Acute cardiac palpitations; Acute gastrointestinal disorder; Acute bronchitis; Acute onset of asthma; Exacerbation of pre-existing asthma; Fatigue; Nausea; Skin rash; Temporary hair loss; Chronic coughing; Chronic nasal discharge; Chronic cardiovascular disorder; Chronic throat irritation; Chronic eye irritation; Chronic thyroid disorder; Anxiety; and Depression. If you or anyone you know believe to be suffering from one or more of the physical conditions listed above as a result of exposure to chloroprene emitted at the Denka Pontchartrain Works facility, or for more information regarding the 40th Judicial District Court’s suit number 72327, entitled Juanea L. Butler, Individually, and as Representative of All Others Similarly Situated v. Denka Performance Elastomer, LLC, E.I. Dupont De Nemours and Company, State of Louisiana, Though the Department of Health and Hospitals, and the State of Louisiana, Though the Department of Environmental Quality, contact our office.
By: Danny Russell, Esq.
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