SRMT Considers PCB Lawsuit Against Industries

AKWESASNE – Members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe have historically suffered from a much higher than average level of cancers and other illnesses due to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (“PCBs”) in our blood, and new research shows that certain PCBs cause increased risks for three particular kinds of cancer: non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (“NHL”), breast cancer, and melanoma. As a result, tribal members are being asked to participate in a medical questionnaire to determine the impact of PCBs on the community of Akwesasne.

“A new study by the International Agency for Research and Cancer has confirmed that certain PCBs are now known to cause cancer,” stated Tribal Chief Eric Thompson. He added, “As a result, we are working with attorneys and health experts to identify damages suffered by the Tribe, as tribal members have been exposed to PCBs released from sources that include pollution from nearby industrial facilities; such as Alcoa, General Motors and Reynolds. If an individual or family member, including those that are deceased, have been impacted they may be able to recover damages.”

Lawyers, with experts, will help the Tribe, and/or tribal members diagnosed with NHL, breast cancer, or melanoma, investigate whether the Tribe, or tribal members, may have any claims against PCB manufacturers for damages caused by PCB releases and exposures. The lawyers’ and their experts’ work at this time is purely exploratory to figure out the nature of any claims for damages that the Tribe may have, and/or whether individual tribal members may file a lawsuit.

For them to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring a case for individual tribal members and/or for the Tribe, the lawyers and their experts want to learn what kind of information or evidence has already been generated on tribal members’ health and injuries, and what damages the Tribe itself has suffered in conducting a clinic intake. To that end, they have worked together to design a questionnaire that can help identify relevant health and lifestyle information.

“We encourage individuals to telephone Health Services and answer a few very short screening questions that will help the lawyers determine their eligibility to file a lawsuit,” said Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. She added, “We are asking that anyone who participated in a health study in the past, that measured the PCB levels in your blood, to give permission to the lawyers to obtain those blood test results.”

All the information provided in the questionnaire will be treated as privileged and confidential and will be shared only with the attorneys and their consultants, in aid of the attorneys’ evaluating claims, and in determining whether individuals wish to pursue a lawsuit with these attorneys as their counsel. Answering the short survey will help the lawyers decide if it would make sense to have you next complete a lengthier questionnaire, with the aid of medical staff.

“Participating in the questionnaires and allowing access to your previous blood tests does not bind individuals to participating in a lawsuit,” stated Tribal Chief Michael Conners. He noted, “Even if you do not want to participate in any potential lawsuit, your information can help the Tribe in determining whether pursuing a legal remedy is the best course of action.”

If you are a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (“NHL”), breast cancer, or melanoma; please call the Tribe’s Medical Clinic to answer a few short screening questions by calling (518) 358-3141.