Plume of Groundwater Contamination Menaces Dayton Neighborhood

By Christy Burns

Published on December 29, 2006

Trichloroethylene is a volatile organic compound used as a degreaser. The Behr plant, which employs 1,800 workers producing cooling and air conditioning components, said that DaimlerChrysler began working on the contamination before Behr purchased the property in 2002. Behr representatives also made a statement of commitment to continued clean-up efforts.

OEPA soil gas samples collected in October 2006 revealed hazardous levels of TCE, prompting the state agency to request assistance from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Exposure to high levels of TCE is known to cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nerves; low level exposure does not appear to cause any significant damage, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

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