Chemistry Expert Opines On Testing Methods For Environmental Pollution

Case Overview

This case involves a widespread PCB contamination by an appliance manufacturer during the 1960s. Pollution from the manufacturer in question has severely contaminated the local community, including, but not limited to, residential and commercial building and the environment. The effects of this industrial pollution continue to affect this community 35+ years after the ban of PCB pollution. An expert in analytical chemistry with a background in the environmental effects of PCB pollution was sought to test for PCBs in the environment and discuss testing methods in the mid 20th century.

Questions to the Chemistry expert and their responses

Please describe your familiarity with PCBs.

I have personally investigated several major PCB contaminated sites and have served as an expert in a number of cases involving PCBs. I have worked on several PCB projects including the contamination of a major northeast river. I am very familiar with the proliferation of PCBs in the environment including how they spread and bio-accumulate, the collection and analysis of PCBs, and their human and environmental toxicity.

Are you familiar with any historical testing methods that were used to determine PCB contamination in the mid 20th century?

I am very familiar with the historical testing methods for PCBs used in the mid 20th century from hands-on experience.

Would you be able to determine the earliest time period possible to test for PCBs in the air at relatively low levels?

I can determine the earliest time period that analysis in the 100-200 ng/m3 could have been used.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has over 40 years of experience the chemistry, environmental contamination, and toxic exposure. He earned his BA in chemistry from Yeshiva College, his MS in physical chemistry from Union College, and his PhD in organic chemistry from the Midwest Institute for Advanced Studies. Today, he is a certified forensic examiner, laboratory director, and professional chemist. This expert is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemists, the American Board of Forensic Examiners, and the Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers. He is also very active in academia, having authored over 25 publications and 3 textbooks in the field. Moreover, he has personally designed warning material and written safety data sheets for toxic environmental chemicals. This expert previously served as a senior scientist and project director at AVCO Space Systems Division, as the director and a professor of chemistry and environmental science at Sarah Lawrence College, the president of Adam Chemical Company, Inc., and the president of Northeast Resource Center, Inc. He is currently the president of a private chemical, environmental, and toxicology consultancy in Maine.