Baltimore Swann Park arsenic poisoning lawsuits
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential arsenic poisoning lawsuits for individuals who may have been injured at Swann Park in Baltimore City, Maryland. The park, which is directly next to the site of the old Allied Chemicals factory, was closed on April 19, 2007, due to high levels of arsenic found in the soil of the popular baseball and football fields. This week it was determined that the factory owner knew of the arsenic contamination for over 30 years, and never took any steps to warn of the problems or clean up the area.
>>INFORMATION: Baltimore City Swann Park Lawsuits
The Allied Chemical factory in Baltimore City produced insecticides, herbicides and other arsenic based goods from the early 1900s through 1976. During this time, deadly toxins such as arsenic would commonly escape from the factory through torn dust collectors, and cover the surrounding South Baltimore Swann Park fields “like snow,” according to internal company documents.
Exposure to arsenic could lead to lung cancer, bladder cancer, skin cancer and kidney cancer. It can also result in acute symptoms, such as vomiting, headaches, diarrhea and possibly even death.
In 1999 Allied Chemical purchased Honeywell Industries, and took on the Honeywell name. Internal company documents indicate that they knew of the soil pollution as early as 1976, when company tests showed that ground levels of arsenic were as high as 10,000 parts per million. Currently 20 parts per million is the standard to require a site clean up.
Swann Park in South Baltimore City has been closed for nearly three months and local residents who lived and worked in the area question why the company failed to disclose the risk. In 1976, the park was briefly closed as a result of contamination, but it was cleaned and re-opened later the same year. The company documents confirm that they allowed Maryland state officials to believe that arsenic levels in the park were safe, despite knowledge to the contrary
SWANN PARK LAWSUITS
By not releasing information, Allied Chemicals saved themselves substantial money and placed their own profits ahead of the safety of those living around the factory. Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. is reviewing potential claims for individuals diagnosed with cancer or other serious injuries, who lived near Swann Park or regularly visited the area. To speak with an attorney and determine if compensation may be available, request a free consultation.
