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BLUE RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE LEAGUE PRESS RELEASE FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE CITIZENS MEET TO OPPOSE WEDLAKE PLANT At a meeting in Old Fort on November 19th, the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League presented information about the status of Wedlake Industries’ proposed facility and about the dangers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). About twenty people, most from the Old Fort area, listened to data about the toxic effects of PVC and the industry’s record of deception; the group discussed organizing to block the Wedlake plant. Louis Zeller, BREDL’s Clean Air Coordinator, said, “PVC plastic production, use, and disposal have negative health impacts. PVC is made from two carcinogens and PVC compounds contains more toxic additives. Virtually all of the products made of PVC have safer substitutes, making the risks posed by PVC completely unnecessary and unacceptable.” PVC, polyvinyl chloride, is a chlorinated plastic. PVC is made from ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride, both are carcinogens. PVC compounds contain toxic additives such as cadmium, lead, phthalates, and organotins. Thursday’s public meeting was sponsored by the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League at the request of county residents. Elizabeth O’Nan, a McDowell resident, said, “We are doing fact finding on this toxic industry. Other PVC plants have contaminated local communities and endangered workers.” The group set December 10th for the next meeting. Topics will include both the Wedlake plant and other local pollution sources. Organized in 1984, BREDL has more than forty active community-based chapters. In addition to their Clean Air for Children’s Health Campaign, BREDL works on water pollution, waste issues, and hazardous materials transportation. -END-
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