Village of Union Cancer Cases May Be Linked To Contaminated Land
Personal Injury - Unsafe Premises - January 31, 2025
Cancer-Causing Chemicals Located Near Neighborhood in Village of Illinois Where Residents Have Developed Cancer
UNION, ILLINOIS (January 31, 2025) – Several people have become sick in the small Village of Union after industrial chemicals were dumped nearby.
There are around 500 people that live in Union, which is mostly surrounded by farmland and manufacturing plants. Two businesses have been accused of dumping highly toxic chemicals nearby without telling local residents.
Both businesses have denied the allegations. However, decades-old tests have revealed that the ground has been contaminated with chemicals.
The dumped chemicals are believed to be cleaning fluids with trichloroethylene (TCE). Several residents have since been diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses.
One local resident has said that dozens of residents on her street have developed cancer. A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability for Illnesses Caused by Industrial Chemical Dumps
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is highly dangerous and a known carcinogen. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Prolonged or repeated exposure of trichloroethylene causes kidney cancer. Some evidence suggests that it may be associated with an increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and, possibly, liver cancer.” There are a number of products that make use of trichloroethylene.
- TCE is commonly used in metal-degreasing products.
- TCE is commonly used in the production of hydrofluorocarbon.
- TCE is used in numerous adhesives and sealants.
- TCE is commonly used in dry cleaning solvents.
- TCE is commonly used in aerosol products.
Companies have a legal obligation to protect the public from TCE and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There are strict regulations by the EPA related to where these chemicals can be stored after use. They must be sent to authorized treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. When any company improperly disposes of chemicals, this puts nearby communities at risk. It also exposes that company to liability in the event that any person is sickened by the exposure. Several steps should be taken after any person suspects they may have been sickened by TCE or other volatile organic compounds.
- Victims should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- All medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- The illness should be reported to the state health agency.
- The source of the exposure should be determined.
- An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.
Many of the illnesses associated with TCE are not immediately obvious to those affected. In many cases, it may take several decades before a person is diagnosed. Even after a person is diagnosed, the source of the chemical exposure may not be clear. To make matters worse, the companies responsible for dumping the chemicals involved will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility for what happened. They will claim that a person’s illness is entirely unrelated. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. They may be able to seek some measure of accountability and justice through a civil claim.
Getting Legal Help for Illnesses Caused by TCE
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates were deeply concerned to hear about all of the residents of Union who have become ill and developed cancer. It is our sincere hope that all of the residents will be able to recover. The companies involved in this catastrophe need to do the right thing and accept responsibility. Steps need to be taken to prevent anything like this from happening again. Small towns should never become dump sites for irresponsible companies looking to save money on waste disposal.
Have you or someone that you love in Union, Illinois become ill after being exposed to TCE or other volatile organic compounds? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that victims of chemical exposure get the support and justice that they deserve under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.