Homeowners Face Possible Presence of Toxic Chemicals

By Ramsay Crooks

Published on July 22, 2005

Though they used to believe it was safe, several homeowners living near the Wyle Labs facility now have reason to believe that they have been exposed to such contaminants as perchlorate, benzene, and trichloroethylene, or TCE.

The presence of TCE, often used as an industrial degreaser and solvent, has already been confirmed inside and around the homes of some neighbors. Mysterious liquid has been seeping out of the ground in another backyard. No one is sure of its origin or composition, and it has been sent for lengthy testing as well.

Until the results come back, the residents are playing an uneasy waiting game. Since the alleged contamination began, they have considered selling their homes. However, those who put their property up on the market haven't been able to find any willing buyers.

Wyle Labs is under orders from California's Department of Toxic Substances to clean up their former facility, which currently qualifies as one of the most polluted sites in the United States.

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