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The Alliance For A Clean Environment |
Oxy Facts Sheet
Occidental Chemical
Data From EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) - Compiled by Scorecard Evaluate the facts concerning the most updated data on Occidental Chemical’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Then join ACE in taking action. Over 31,000 residents live within 2 miles of Occidental and tens of thousands more live downwind. There are 25 schools and day care centers within 2 miles, thousands of people work in professional offices and businesses in the immediate vicinity, and the Pottstown Hospital is within ½ mile. 1999 National Rankings on Self Reported Major Hazardous Releases or Waste Generation Occidental’s score for the Dirtiest/Worst Facilities in the US:
Top 20 % - Air and Water Releases - Cancer Risks Top 20 % - Air and Water Releases - Other Hazardous Health Risks
129,762 Recognized Carcinogens 22,700 Suspected Carcinogens 122,000 Suspected Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicants 129,760 Suspected Developmental Toxicants 7,760 Suspected Kidney Toxicants 186,035 Suspected Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicants 216,460 Suspected Neurotoxicants 122,000 Suspected Reproductive Toxicants 216,497 Suspected Respiratory Toxicants 216,495 Suspected Skin or Sense Organ Toxicants Vinyl Chloride is the most hazardous chemical reported to TRI by Occidental. Chemical Ranking for Potential Human Health Risks according to TRI data:
#1 Risk for Other Health Hazards - Vinyl Chloride
#2 for the entire United States - Occidental in Pottstown Vinyl Chloride - Human Health Effects: Human Health Hazard – Chemical Profile 75-01-4
Suspected Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant Suspected Developmental Toxicant Suspected Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant Suspected Neurotoxicant Suspected Reproductive Toxicant Suspected Respiratory Toxicant Suspected Skin or Sense Organ Toxicant
The State of California The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) R EPA lists Vinyl Chloride as a hazardous air pollutant in Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. EPA lists Vinyl Chloride in SARA 313 Toxic Chemicals, 33 Urban Air Toxics, Health Effects Notebook for Hazardous Air Pollutants. 2000 TRI self-reported data for Pottstown Occidental’s Hazardous Air Emissions by pounds:
Ammonia 58,000 Vinyl Acetate 18,670 Acetaldehyde 12,200 Hydrochloric Acid 440 • A recent accident at Occidental in Pottstown would verify that as bad as these industry-tested, monitored, and reported emissions are, it could be worse. • On May 10, 2002, a notice was posted for employees that an over pressured reactor caused a relief valve to release 500 pounds of vinyl chloride to the atmosphere. • The report from Occidental to DEP listed the approximate total loss of VMC at 234 pounds. • An Incident Log listed this same accident at 100 pounds of vinyl chloride released. For further research and information on Vinyl Chloride, “Trade Secrets,” an investigative report on chemicals by Bill Moyers, featuring Vinyl Chloride. To purchase the video call 1 (800) 336-1917 or visit www.pbs.org and www.ewg.org. Occidental in Pottstown uses vinyl chloride to make PVC plastic. Recently aired on PBS, “Blue Vinyl”, an entertaining toxic comedy video, shows how much the production, use, and disposal of PVC plastic could be costing communities, workers, children, our health, and the environment. Don’t miss this video. For more information: www.bluevinyl.org, www.myhouseisyourhouse.org, and info@workingfilms.org, or call ACE. (610) 326-6433 Occidental’s PVC production process also exposes us to Health Risks from Dioxin, one of the most toxic substances known to human health. Dioxin presents many serious health risks in tiny amounts. While we can not be sure how much Dioxin has been emitted by Occidental Chemical in Pottstown since 1980, any amount is a health threat to you and your family.
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