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Author l Public Speaker l Marine Toxicologist P.O. Box 1460 • Cordova, Alaska 99574 • 907.424.3915 www.soundtruth.info
l info@soundtruth.info Governor Sarah Palin October 27, 2007 Office of the Governor POB 110001 Juneau, AK 99811-0001 Dear Governor Palin, Enclosed please find a complimentary copy of my book, Sound Truth and Corporate Myth$, on the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) on workers and wildlife. I am an independent researcher and author. I am sending it in response to a question you asked of Diann Hursh. Yes, there is proof that the 1989 cleanup harmed the health of thousands of cleanup workers—and that Exxon was aware of this harm. For example: p. 12 shows the MSDS for crude oil and chemical products used on the EVOS cleanup (Note products that contain the human health hazard 2-butoxyethanol specifically warn to keep product out of waterways: Why were these products used in Prince William Sound?) p. 33 Exxon’s partial release form showing it paid workers $600.50 to waive future health claims arising from cleanup work (once it realized workers were getting sick) p. 57 Exxon’s clinical data showing a total of 6,722 upper respiratory “infections” were reported during the 1989 cleanup (I obtained these data before court records were sealed.) p. 450 Exxon’s air
quality monitoring data showing workers were overexposed to oil
vapors, mists, and particulates as well as a variety of chemical
products (I also obtained these data before court records were
sealed.) I have been working to hold Exxon and the federal government accountable for chemical injury to EVOS cleanup workers ever since workers first started calling me in May 1989. 18 years later, I am still receiving phone calls from former workers with health problems. (See enclosed.) Given the chronic illnesses stemming from the cleanup, the “Valdez Crud” was likely symptomatic of a chemical poisoning epidemic caused by breathing oily particulates generated by the high-pressure wash—not simple “colds and flu” as Exxon medical doctors claimed. The bottom line is: Exxon’s worker safety program failed to adequately protect cleanup workers and it is likely literally thousands (est. 3,000 from Yale survey, p. 164) are suffering chronic health problems stemming from the EVOS cleanup. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about remedial action for past workers—and proactive steps to safeguard health of future cleanup workers. |