Study shows link between Parkinsonism, chemical at Paducah plant

Associated Press - January 21, 2008 3:14 AM ET
http://www.newschannel5.com/global/story.asp?s=7748321

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) - A recent University of Kentucky study has linked a nervous disorder similar to Parkinson's disease to a chemical at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

Researcher Don Gash says the report connects the dots between Parkinsonism to the common solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE. The solvent was used at the plant for years to clean capacitors. Electricians who worked at the plant in the 1960s say they would put their hands in the chemical, then wipe their hands off and go back to work.

Investigators found extensive amounts of TCE underneath a building at the plant. The groundwater concentrations underneath the building were 20,000 times greater than the drinking water standards.

At least 13 former plant workers say they have Parkinson's disease, and four others have died from it.

Information from: The Paducah Sun, http://www.paducahsun.com