Since a May 14 minor explosion at the Hanford, Wash.,
Plutonium Reclamation Facility, four employees say they are
experiencing symptoms associated with toxic chemical
exposure.
Ten employees were outside the facility
in a trailer at the time of the explosion, which was caused by
chemicals accidentally allowed to concentrate in one of the plant’s
holding tanks. Plant supervisors gave workers conflicting
instructions, witnesses say, leading them into the path of a plume
of smoke from the blast, where some noticed a metallic taste in
their mouths. All eventually went to a medical center in Richland,
Wash., where examiners concluded that there had been no dangerous
exposure.
But weeks later, four still report
sleeplessness, respiratory problems, headaches and inexplicable
bouts of rage. They believe they were exposed to chemicals, and
that the situation was not handled properly, the Seattle
Post-Intelligencer reported on May 29. The employees say they’ll
take the Department of Energy to court.
Steve
Veitenheimer, spokesman for the Department of Energy, would not
comment on the litigation, but says, “There was some confusing
information and miscommunication at the time.” He says the
employees have been examined extensively at three different
facilities, and “they show no evidence of contamination.”
Damon Platis, a lawyer representing the Hanford
workers, refused to discuss the case, as did Winston McCulley Jr.,
one of the workers involved in the accident. He says only, “We’re
going through hell right now.” – Emily
Miller
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Hanford workers point the finger.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
