Don't drink the water. You might turn into a goblin, just in time for Halloween! 🥤👹
Just kidding, your water's fine. 😅 At least we hope so. Speaking of spiked H2O, three chemical companies owe PA big time to resolve waterway contamination claims. They're about to pay the state $100 million dollars. 🤑
Here’s Five Fast Facts on the settlement:
- 👿 Don't You Know That You're Toxic? - The Monsanto Company, Solutia INC., and Pharmacia LLC are on the hook for the settlement cash. They manufactured products containing toxic chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Pennsylvania officials say they damaged waterways and other natural resources statewide.
- ⚗️ Chemical Reaction - Back in 1979, PCBs were banned for their potential dangers to people and the environment. The toxic chemicals are linked to liver and respiratory problems, especially in workers who were regularly exposed.
- 🏭 Is Your Refrigerator Running? - It's estimated that 1.5 billion pounds of PCBs were made between 1920 and 1979. They were used in all kinds of products, including appliances like refrigerators and TVs. The chemical waste generated from the manufacturing process often got dumped in landfills, which sometimes leaked into local waterways.
- 🙅🏽 Guilty, but Not Guilty - Although they agreed to the settlement, a spokesperson for Monsanto said the settlement contains "no admission of liability or wrongdoing by the company, and will fully resolve the claims." Cool story, bro. Monsanto also reached a similar $80 million agreement with Virginia.
- 📑 Grand Plan - The state plans to use most of the settlement money to reverse or stop the leftover environmental damage. $8 million will be set aside for projects in communities impacted by the spread of PCBs.
🔥Bottom line: Dangerous chemical spills are nothing to laugh at (unless you find a funny meme about it). We wish they'd make these companies pay up sooner. It always seems like they get caught *way* after a ton of damage has already been done. Even though PA's drinking water is a-OK, people are still leaving the state for greener pastures. This article dives into all the tea on PA's population shift.
Do you feel like your water supply is safe?
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