Brockway is a small town located near western Pennsylvania. This July 2024, residents in this county were notified of asbestos in their drinking water. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory complications. One of the biggest organizations to respond to this issue is The Brockway Area School District. The school’s officials are mitigating this concern by installing over 80 water filters across the district. Pennsylvania communities and towns outside of Brockway have also been affected, such as Punxsutawney, DuBois, and Brookeville.
The school district is prioritizing normal operations to keep students in classrooms, thus slowly integrating the water filters a few at a time. This way, the system installment does not disrupt student learning.
The asbestos was discovered when a local business owner tested his own water for regulatory purposes. Residents of Brockway County received letters in July 2024 alerting them of the asbestos present in their drinking water. Since then, the county has not implemented any remedial efforts. So, residents have been paying their water bills and spending extra in bottled water. Some families who have the financial capacity to do so have installed their own water filters.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen. When drinking contaminated water, asbestos fibers can find their way into stomach lining, intestines, or even bloodstream.
If you are experiencing:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness
- Blood clots
See a health care professional immediately.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The team at The Halpern Law Firm has over 35 years of experience successfully representing victims of asbestos exposure. For a free consultation, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form and someone will be in touch with you right away.
