Is pollution from a huge Canadian responsible for a high prevalence of certain diseases in a nearby U.S. town, wonders one resident who conducted her own study in Northport, Washington. Jamie Paparich found there was an unusually high number of people with diseases such as Crohns, colitis, multiple sclerosis and thyroid disorders.
Harvard University researchers confirmed the town had a high rate of gastrointestinal diseases not connected to genetic factors. It has not proven any link with pollution coming from one of the world’s largest lead and zinc smelters run by Teck Resources situated 30 kilometers upstream.
Lawyer gauges possibility of court action
A top U.S. lawyer Steve Berman, who is famous for arguing class action suits against companies like Enron, Exxon and Rio Tinto, visited Northport to gauge support for a possible lawsuit against Teck Resources.
Teck has admitted to polluting the Columbia River in the past, but it says there is no proven link between its smelter and illnesses in Northport. The company says it has made major efforts to clean up discharges from the smelter.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.