The Olin Corporation McIntosh Plant site is located approximately 1 mile east-southeast of the town of McIntosh, in Washington County, Alabama. The Olin main plant and associated properties cover approximately 1,500 acres. From 1952 until 1982, Olin produced chlorinated organic pesticides, chlorine, caustic soda and sodium hypochlorite at the site. Presently, Olin produces
chlorine, caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite and blends and stores hydrazide compounds at the site.
Releases of
mercury and organic chemicals have contaminated the shallow groundwater beneath the site. Discharges of wastewater containing mercury have contaminated wetlands adjacent to the Tombigbee River. Approximately 500 people live in the area of the site. Everyone in the area utilizes groundwater as a source of drinking water.
At high doses, mercury exposure can cause
tremors, inability to walk, convulsions, and even
death. At lowers levels, the effect of mercury, while not as drastic, is nevertheless serious. Low-level exposure to mercury may cause damage to the senses and
brain.
See your doctor if you live in McIntosh and you have experienced serious health problems. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Specific Contaminated Sites
- Birth Defects
- Blindness
- Cerebral Palsy
- Depression: Overview
- Head & Brain Injury
- Hearing Loss
- Mental Retardation: Overview
- Seizures: Overview
- Tremors: Overview