Dioxin Found in 2 West Virginia Schools

By Jaimee Wolbert

Published on August 01, 2005

Tests conducted at Nitro High School and Nitro Elementary School found levels of dioxin is excess of Environmental Protection Agency standards. The results were disclosed after several other locations in the area showed abnormally high levels of the contaminant as well.

School officials are unsure of how to proceed after the findings, and the EPA has asked another organization, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, to look into the issue.

For over thirty years, Nitro was home to the Monsanto Co. chemical plant, which produced a dioxin-contaminated herbicide. According to a lawsuit filed in December, pollution from the plant has put the entire community at risk from this dangerous chemical.

More homes and businesses are being tested for the contaminant as the lawsuit moves forward.

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