Kindra Bell, who lives near the former Ithaca Gun Factory site contaminated with TCE, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years after regulators dismissed concerns about high levels of the chemical in her home.
Jordan Gass-Poore' reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The former Ithaca Gun Factory site in New York is contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), a carcinogen linked to Parkinson’s disease.
- Kindra Bell’s home tested positive for high levels of TCE, but officials assured her it posed no risk; she was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
- Bell and activists are advocating for stricter cleanup standards at New York’s contaminated brownfield sites.
Key quote:
“Nothing the agencies say in this matter should be trusted by the public. The agencies have admitted their own incompetence.”
— Walter Hang, founder of Toxics Targeting
Why this matters:
TCE is a volatile organic compound that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, making it a significant concern in homes where such products are frequently used. Studies have shown that even low levels of TCE exposure over long periods can have detrimental effects on health. For instance, the connection between TCE and cancer has been well-documented, with the chemical classified as a human carcinogen by various health organizations, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
