Social and Economic Impact of Neurotoxicity in Hazardous Waste Workers in Lenoir, North Carolina,

A detailed study of workers at a hazardous waste incinerator in Lenoir, North Carolina, revealed significant financial losses resulting from health problems caused by the incinerator. The losses included approximately $3 million for 3 years of medical care for 28 workers employed at the incinerator. Future wage losses for exposed workers were projected to be from $14 million to $15 million. Loss of the incinerator as a viable employment base was a significant blow to the local economy. Third-party payers of medical costs, government and private, were also at risk of financial loss. Workersʹ compensation benefits ranging from $6500 to $274,000 per person were paid by insurance companies to some workers; however, these benefits did not always cover the medical expenses incurred. As a result of their illnesses, 11 of the 28 workers (39%) had to sell or give up their homes, 8 workers (36%) lost their vehicles, 19 workers (68%) began to receive Social Security Disability payments, and 11 workers (39%) obtained food stamps. One worker not included in these figures died 3 years after he settled with the state workersʹ compensation program. Five of the 28 interviewed workers continue to work in spite of continuing health problems. The 23 workers who cannot work will have estimated lifetime medical expenses of $25.4 million.