At least 415 dry cleaners in Illinois have been identified by the state as having the toxic solvent perchloroethylene, or PCE, contaminate nearby soil or pose a threat to nearby water supplies. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has required clean up at more than 520 sites around the state.
PCE is a dangerous chemical that has been widely used in the dry cleaning industry across the United States. PCE has since been linked to cancer, liver damages, neurological problems and other health issues.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the state has found problems in nearly every Illinois city or town that has a dry cleaning business. However, most of the serious violations related to the use of this dangerous solvent are in the city of Chicago and its surrounding areas. The Tribune has developed a website that allows people to find out if there is a clean up underway near their address and identifies the 30 clean up sites given the highest priority by the government.
If you, or a loved one, have suffered the health effects of PCE then it is important to seek the advice of a Chicago attorney who is experienced both in personal injury and products liability. Please contact us today for a free consultation.
