Last Updated on May 6, 2025

Higher Rates of Cancer Found in Residents Near Former Watertown Airbrake Plant (Health Department Investigation)

Recent findings from a New York State Department of Health report have shed light on the potential health impacts of toxic contaminants in Watertown, New York.

The report, focusing on the former New York Air Brake plant, revealed statistically significant higher cancer rates among male residents living in the vicinity. This alarming discovery raises concerns over the devastating effects that toxic exposure can have on communities and individuals.

The New York Air Brake Plant in Watertown 

The plant has a long history in Watertown, dating back to the 19th century as a major manufacturer of railway brakes and industrial equipment. Back then, modern environmental regulations were not yet in place, so it is possible that certain unsafe measures were conducted without regard for future impact.

Industrial plants commonly produce contaminants like heavy metals, solvents, and other toxic chemicals in the course of the manufacturing process. At the Watertown Air Brake Plant, residents expressed concern about chemicals found in nearby waterways like Oily and Kelsey creek. Over the years high levels of trichloroethylene (TCE), and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were also found in the neighborhood, raising further health worries. 

Impacts of Potential Toxic Exposure

The report by the State Health Department, a product of a request made more than a decade ago, revealed that 548 cancer cases were recorded in the area, 281 of which were observed in males. In 2008, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s vapor intrusion tests also found unacceptable levels of TCE, an industrial solvent used in the plant decades ago.

Residents near the former Air Brake plant have reported various health issues, including:

  • Higher cancer rates
  • Elevated rates of low birth weight and small gestational age births
  • Muscular and neurological illnesses
  • Stillbirths 

While officials blamed pollutants on the SPX Corporation, a North Carolina company that previously owned the facility, the report is inconclusive as to whether or not the Air Brake Plant caused these illnesses or whether specific environmental exposure directly caused individual illnesses, with some residents expressing dismay over why it took so long for these findings to come out. 

This incident highlights the importance of holding responsible parties accountable and seeking justice for those affected by toxic exposure.

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Were You Exposed to Toxic Chemicals in Watertown?

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Exposed to Toxic Chemicals in New York?

If you or a loved one believe that your illnesses were caused by toxic exposure near your homes or your workplace, it is important to seek immediate legal assistance from competent, and experienced professionals. 

At Porter Law Group, we understand the complexities of toxic exposure cases and the profound impact they can have on individuals and families. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those affected by environmental contamination throughout New York State.

Going up against large industrial manufacturers can be an uphill battle, especially since these entities have deep pockets and can hire legal teams and insurance companies, who may not have your best interests at heart, and try to offer you settlements that are less than you need or deserve. 

Contact the Porter Law Group today for a free consultation. We are prepared to extend our best efforts, and our resources to help you and your loved ones secure justice, and the compensation you deserve. View the results we’ve achieved for previous clients throughout the State, and learn more about how we can help you. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so unless we win your case, you won’t have to pay us anything.  

How Porter Law Group Can Help

With a proven track record in handling complex personal injury cases, the Porter Law Group offers:

  1. Comprehensive legal services tailored to your specific situation
  2. In-depth knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
  3. Access to expert witnesses and medical professionals
  4. Aggressive representation against large corporations and insurance companies
  5. A commitment to securing the maximum compensation for our clients

Damages You May Receive for Toxic Exposure

Victims of toxic exposure may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Wrongful death benefits (for family members)

Why Choose the Porter Law Group?

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.  

You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family.  Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results. 

When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in Watertown, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.   

Contact a Toxic Exposure Lawyer in Watertown

If you or a loved one has been injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals in Watertown, or anywhere in New York State, don't wait to seek legal help. Contact Porter Law Group today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your legal options.

Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay any fees unless we win your case. Don't let the burden of toxic exposure impact your future – let Porter Law Group fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

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Michael S. Porter
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Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.
Legally Reviewed on September 17, 2024
Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney
Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Eric C. Nordby on September 17, 2024. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have any questions about our content please contact us.
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