Specialty Records, WEA, Cinram, and Technicolor - Chemical Exposure & Health Effects Report
Here's a detailed timeline of chemical mismanagement and failures at the former facilities, and a breakdown of hazardous substances and their health impacts on exposed workers. The information supports ongoing legal efforts by highlighting years of unsafe conditions, insufficient oversight, and chemical exposures that endanger former employees’ health and well-being.
Timeline of Key Events of Exposure and Mismanagement
This timeline, highlighting only a fraction of known incidents, strongly suggests a pattern of systemic neglect toward chemical safety and employee health protections.
JULY 7, 1991: OSHA Violations
Four documented violations from the same 1991 inspection show that the facility:
- Lacked a chemical hygiene plan.
- Failed to train employees about chemical hazards and proper chemical handling.
- Denied or failed to inform employees of their exposure/medical records.
- Failed to monitor a known human carcinogen: Vinyl Chloride.
JULY 27, 1993: OSHA Violations – Benzene
- OSHA cited WEA for violating Standard 1910.1028 — which governs exposure to Benzene, a known carcinogen.
- 50 employees were reportedly exposed to Benzene, indicating substantial potential risk.
- The violation was originally classified as serious but later reclassified as 'Other' during an informal settlement.
JULY 20, 1999 to DECEMBER 3, 1999: Fern Hill Drum Excavation
- At least 48 drums containing significant levels of hazardous Contaminants were discovered in this excavation.
- Contaminants included PCE, TCE, DEHP, Vinyl Chloride, Cadmium, Nickel, and Cobalt.
- No verified notification was made to the EPA regarding this discovery at the time.
- Some contaminant levels exceeded EPA health standards by tens of thousands of times.
- At least two of our current clients stated that they were directed to bury the drums, and that they believe there are many more than 48 buried drums.
2001- 2002: DEP Violations
- WEA installed and operated a vacuum apparatus and degreaser without prior DEP approval.
- This violated regulations for air contamination sources and emission-control devices.
- The unpermitted equipment released an additional 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) a year without proper monitoring or disclosure.
- WEA did not obtain a legal operating permit until May 13, 2002 — nearly one year after installation.
- There was no formal notice given to workers or nearby residents that this had happened.
Mishandled Chemicals and Their Effects On Those Exposed
The following section outlines only a sample of the harmful chemicals mishandled at the WEA facility, along with some of their known health effects on those exposed.
Trichloroethylene (TCE): Commonly used to clean and degrease components.
- Known health effects on those exposed: Kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Cardiac defects, Leukemia, Liver cancer, multiple myeloma, End-stage renal disease.
Vinyl Chloride: Key component in the creation of PVC.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Liver Cancer, nervous system effects, eye, skin, and throat irritation, Increased risk of other Cancers.
Benzene: A very strong solvent cleaner that was used throughout the optical disk process.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Leukemias, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Multiple myeloma.
Carbon Black: Used to give vinyl records their distinctive black color.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Lung Cancer, eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): Used throughout the optical media process to degrease components.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Bladder Cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and End-stage renal disease.
Cobehn: Very strong solvent, used throughout cassettes and all optical disks for cleaning.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Cardiac disturbance, reproductive and fetal effects, Organ damage, increased risk of cancer.
Titanium Acetylactonate: Used throughout the optical disk process for cleaning equipment.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Gastrointestinal effects, Organ damage, and increased risk of cancer.
Ammonium Hydroxide: Used in the optical disk mastering systems for developing the pit structure on a photoresist glass.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: The Respiratory system, pulmonary edema, causes burns by all routes of exposure.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK): Used as a solvent and cleaning agent in the optical media production process.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Targets organs, the central nervous system, and the respiratory system.
Cyanide: Used throughout the plating system to remove the nickel from the water.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Neurological effects, thyroid effects, cardiovascular and respiratory problems, and central nervous system depression.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): Used as a plasticizer in the production of flexible PVC.
- Known Health effects on those exposed: Increased risk of cancer, eproductive and developmental effects, and organ damage.
Final Note to Those Potentially Affected
The chemicals outlined in this list cover only a fraction of the chemicals historically used at the WEA facility. Some of these chemicals listed were used regularly, increasing the possibility of prolonged exposure. Many of these chemicals are known to cause long-term and serious health effects. Their documented use and mishandling at the WEA facility, along with the lack of formal notification, present a concerning pattern of neglect.
If you or a loved one worked at or lived near the WEA site and is now experiencing significant health issues, you may be entitled to seek compensation or pursue legal action.
At TozLaw, we are currently investigating these matters and strongly encourage individuals who may be affected by WEA’s chemical mishandling to come forward. Sharing your experience can help reveal the true extent of exposure and play a critical role in holding the responsible parties accountable.