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Calls Grow for TCE Testing Near IBM Endicott

01/17/25



After reaching out to the DEC earlier this week regarding concerns about TCE exposure within the IBM Endicott area, Fox 40 wanted to know how many structures have been tested since the IBM cleanup project began in the early 2000's.

The DEC says as of March 2024, 502 ventilation systems had been installed at 453 properties.

Now the DEC tells us they ordered IBM in 2002 to conduct a test on homes to determine the ventilation map, where homes and businesses in the boundaries were offered ventilation systems but there was no additional testing done.

"They're not checking the homes on an ongoing basis, they have no idea whether or not these homes are polluted. They're not polluted. I mean, it's just irresponsible," Toxics Targeting President Walter Hang said.

A former IBM'er who lived close to ventilation map boundaries tells Fox 40 they’re worried their medical issues, may be tied to TCE exposure. Mild tremors and short-term memory loss are currently being treated by a neurologist.

The worker, who was part of a 2015 class action settlement against IBM, asked to remain anonymous because the agreement included a gag order. They add that even though they live in a neighborhood where high levels of TCE were detected, they say the DEC refused their request to test their home.

Hang says not testing every home within the boundaries is alarming not to mention any follow-up testing over the last two decades.

"It's migrated to all of the 135 acre IBM, former IBM. It's made it all the way to the Susquehanna River," Hang said. "I mean, there are almost 250 acres of impacted area that we know of."

Hang is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to demand that all properties are tested and cleaned up, given how much more is known about the health risks tied to TCE exposure, including a 500% increased risk of Parkinson's disease.

"She should come to Endicott, New York, and she should face all these people with Parkinson's," Hang said. "She should face the community and the community leaders to explain how this site has to have been comprehensively cleaned up in 45 years."