BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — More Western New Yorkers are coming forward with concerns about their experiences after working at the Goodyear plant in Niagara Falls, as an investigation into cancer-causing chemical emissions now makes national headlines.
The 7 News I-Team investigative series "Getting Poisoned" has revealed the plant is releasing cancer-causing chemicals into the air over Niagara Falls at rates up to seven times higher than current standards.
Two former workers report that since the 1980s, they've heard about people who worked at the facility developing bladder cancer. A study released in 2014 shows that at least 50 workers have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, and those exposed to the chemical had a higher risk of getting cancer than the average person living in New York.
WATCH: Investigation into concerns about health impacts of the Goodyear factory
Harry Weist, a former employee, said he was never warned about the dangers the chemical could cause, even though Goodyear knew about the risks.
"21 years and I've had it five times...It always brings this stuff back, you know," said Weist, who has battled bladder cancer for years and was recently diagnosed with it again.
Goodyear maintains it produces "low levels" of the cancer-causing chemical and is "in full compliance" with permit requirements. The state has fined Goodyear for two emissions-related violations, but the State Health Department says there's a "low risk" for the community.
I was interviewed by ABC News about my reporting on the plant.
In February, the 7 News I-Team spoke with the interim DEC Commissioner, Sean Mahar, who said current modeling reflects a "worst-case scenario."
Jim Briggs, another former worker, is now working with United Steel Workers to warn future Goodyear employees about the health risks.
"When people are hired...we want them to be informed," said Briggs. "I see the work we're doing. I definitely feel the workers there are far more safer than I was and the people before me that went to work at Goodyear."
Goodyear said it regularly monitors the facility, tracking the number of cancer cases. The company also stated that current employees are tested for exposure levels every six months and are working to reduce emissions.
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