workers
safety and health
|
|
|
Environmentalists
Join Residents in Lawsuit Atofina Chemicals is an affiliate of
Atofina, the world’s fifth largest chemical company with sales in 2000 of $19
billion. Atofina is the chemical branch of TotalFinaElf, the world’s fifth
largest gas and oil company with $107 billion sales in 2000. The individuals in the lawsuit are
asserting claims that the company was grossly negligent and improperly exposed
them to dangerous chemicals causing illnesses. They are requesting money damages
be awarded. The claims made by individuals will be
expanded to prohibit Atofina re-opening the Riverview plant until it has
demonstrated it is full compliance with Federal and State environmental
regulations and that a full range of emergency procedures are in place including
warning, evacuation and monitoring plans. Atofina is also called upon to provide
immediate medical assistance, testing and care for victims of the exposure and
to provide long term air monitoring by independent agencies. Blair
McGowan, spokesperson for Friends of the
Detroit River, says, “For those of us who live downriver this disastor is
a very significant and tragic event. Our lives will never be the same. We do not
know what this accident has done to our environment. Atofina is not answering
questions. The appear to be more interested in legal damage control than
community health concerns.” “The Friends of the Detroit River,”
says McGowan, “call on Atofina to step up and take responsibility. Provide
information to the community. Provide medical clinics. Work with the community
to get reopened in a fashion that no one need fear that the next time, an
accident will kill hundreds or thousands.” |
Home
Join |