Water Gremlin has been hit by at least 95 lawsuits and class actions involving cancer and other health problems from TCE, a toxic chemical that was released in the air.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Water Gremlin TCE induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with cancer or other health problems from TCE exposure, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What Happened?
Water Gremlin, a manufacturing plant in White Bear, Minnesota, released toxic TCE chemicals into the air from 2002 through 2019.
Water Gremlin TCE Lawsuits
In January 2023, Water Gremlin was hit by 95 lawsuits from local residents in White Bear who developed cancer, lung disease, or other health problems from TCE, including 35 wrongful death cases.
Woman With Lung Diseases Files Water Gremlin Lawsuit
One of the first Water Gremlin lawsuits was filed by Shelly T., a woman who lived near Water Gremlin. In 2016, she was diagnosed with severe lung diseases — hypersensitivity pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis — and is now on oxygen full-time. She claims that TCE caused permanent lung damage and scarring.
Class Action Filed by Homeowner for TCE Contamination
In October 2020, a homeowner in White Bear Township filed a class action lawsuit against Water Gremlin for property damage and loss of home value due to TCE contamination. The lawsuit was filed by Rob S., a man who said “they need to be held accountable for their actions.”
Water Gremlin Fined $7 Million for Releasing Toxic TCE
In 2019, the Water Gremlin Company was fined $7 million for releasing over 1,000 tons of TCE into the air during a 17-year period of time while manufacturing fishing products and battery terminals. As part of the settlement, Water Gremlin agreed to stop using TCE.
How Many People Were Exposed to TCE?
Thousands of people in White Bear, Minnesota from 2002 through 2019 may have been exposed to toxic levels of TCE by breathing it in the air (both indoor and outdoor air).
The contaminated area includes at least two schools, including Birch Lake Elementary School, and more than 5,500 homes.
TCE can also get into the body through skin absorption, drinking contaminated water, or eating foods that have been washed or processed with tainted water.
What is TCE?
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an odorless, colorless, man-made (synthetic) chemical that causes cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
What is the Problem?
TCE is normally a liquid chemical, but it can easily evaporate into the air and spread for miles.
This is a big problem for people who live near manufacturing plants like Water Gremlin, where massive amounts of TCE were illegally spewed into the air.
The contaminated area around the Water Gremlin facility spreads for about 1.5 miles in all directions. Two schools and the homes of about 5,500 residents are included in this zone.
Sources of Environmental TCE Pollution
TCE may be found in the air, water, and soil where it is being produced or used. Because it breaks down very slowly, it can remain in the environment for a long time. It also passes easily through the soil and can accumulate in the groundwater.
What Cancers Are Linked to TCE?
Prolonged or repeated exposure to TCE is known to cause kidney cancer. TCE is also linked to increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and possibly liver cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Long-Term Effects of Breathing TCE
People who breathe TCE can experience symptoms including sleepiness, fatigue, headache, confusion, and feelings of euphoria. Effects on the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal system, and skin have also been noted, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Health Risks Linked to TCE
- Lung diseases
- Heart defects
- Pneumonia
- Cancer
- Neurological side effects
- Childhood leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- End-stage renal disease
- Parkinson disease
- Scleroderma
- And more (Click here for a full list)
Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm. We are investigating individual cases involving people who suffered health problems as a result of TCE exposure near the Water Gremlin manufacturing facility.
How Much Is My Lawsuit Worth?
If you or a loved one was harmed, we may be able to help you file a lawsuit against Water Gremlin and seek justice. You could receive financial compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, permanent disability (long-term care), wrongful death of a loved one, and more.
Do I have a Water Gremlin TCE Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Water Gremlin TCE induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with cancer or other health problems from TCE exposure, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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