The city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is home to a toxic legacy in the form of the Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site, where decades of water pollution from pesticides have contaminated the area. The pollutants from this hazardous waste site have caused a wide range of health effects and have taken a toll on the surrounding environment. At OnderLaw, we aim to hold responsible parties accountable for the pollution they cause, and this is no exception.
The Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site in Cape Girardeau, MO, operated a pesticide formulation plant from 1965 to 1977. During that time, waste created from pesticide production was disposed of in a lagoon at the site, which led to water pollution in Cape Girardeau.
In 1983, the EPA conducted an inspection of the site and found that the contaminants from the site had made their way into the soil and groundwater surrounding the area. Unfortunately, the site is adjacent to the floodplain of the Mississippi River, and a freshwater wetland is located within a mile of the site.
Cape Girardeau, which draws its drinking water from the Mississippi River, is situated less than one mile downstream from the site. The water pollution in Cape Girardeau has resulted in health hazards for the community, and our firm believes that justice should be reached for those affected.
The Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site in Cape Girardeau, MO, is known to be contaminated with a variety of hazardous chemicals, many of which were used in the production of pesticides. Among the most prevalent of these chemicals are lead, arsenic, dieldrin, aldrin, and chlordane, all of which are known to pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
While the site was primarily used for the production of pesticides, heavy metals were also found at dangerous levels throughout the site. Unfortunately, these chemicals have not only contaminated the soil and groundwater at the Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site but have also leached into nearby streams and rivers, potentially posing a risk to the health of local residents and wildlife.
Despite successful remediation efforts, those who have lived or worked in the area should be aware of the health hazards that these chemicals pose.
The Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site in Cape Girardeau, MO, has been linked to a range of health problems caused by the presence of toxic pesticides. Some of the chemicals found at the site include chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, arsenic, and lead. These chemicals are known to be harmful to human health, and exposure to them can cause a variety of health problems.
Chlordane, for example, is a pesticide that was widely used in the United States until it was banned in 1983. It is a potent neurotoxin that can cause neurological damage, respiratory problems, and liver damage. Aldrin and dieldrin are also highly toxic pesticides that can cause a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and damage to the liver and kidneys.
In addition to these chemicals, the site also contains heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead, which are both known to be a threat to public health. Exposure to arsenic can cause skin lesions, respiratory problems, and even cancer. Lead exposure can lead to neurological problems, developmental delays in children, and behavioral disorders.
Unfortunately, the health effects of exposure to pesticides in Cape Girardeau may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms may not appear until years after exposure, making it difficult to connect health problems to the toxic chemicals found at the Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site. This makes it all the more important for residents in the area to be aware of the potential health risks and take steps to protect themselves.
If you or someone you love has been exposed to pesticides in Cape Girardeau and has experienced health problems as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our environmental law team to learn more about your legal options and how to pursue a lawsuit against those responsible for the contamination.
Due to the hazards posed by the chemicals present at the Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site, it is likely that individuals and communities have been negatively impacted. These individuals and communities may be able to seek legal recourse through environmental law and litigation.
Mass torts and class actions are two potential options for legal action in this case. Mass torts involve a large number of individuals who have been harmed in various ways by the same source, while class actions involve a group of individuals with a similar complaint against a common defendant.
The legal process for environmental cases can be complex and lengthy, involving scientific studies, expert testimony, and a variety of legal issues. However, successful litigation can result in compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other related expenses.
If you believe you or a loved one has been affected by exposure to pesticides at the Kem-Pest Labs Superfund Site, it is important to consult with an experienced environmental lawyer who can assess your case and provide guidance on potential legal options.
If you feel you or your community may have been impacted by the contamination from the Kem-Pest Laboratories Superfund site, contact us for a free consultation today.
