Wisconsin-Report

In 2007, Koch Industries' Green Bay Georgia-Pacific Facility Emitted More Carcinogenic Nickel Than Any Other
Of The 32 Industrial Facilities Reporting In The State. According to the Center for Media and Democracy, “From 2007-
2009, TRI data show that Koch Industries in Wisconsin released 9,780 pounds of nickel compounds. Nickel is a heavy metal,
and nickel compounds are a known human carcinogen and cause other adverse effects on respiratory function. […] ‘These
elements are… released in large quantities into the environment and may be contributing to the reproductive failures being
experienced by contemporary populations.’ In 2007, Koch Industries' Georgia-Pacific facility on Broadway Avenue in Green
Bay emitted more nickel than any other of the 32 industrial facilities reporting nickel discharges to the air and/or water.”
[Center for Media and Democracy, 5/19/11]
• Of A Total Statewide Discharge Of 6,645 Pounds, The Georgia-Pacific Facility Emitted 3,410 Pounds Which
Was 51 Percent Greater Than All The Other Discharges Of Other Facilities Combined. According to the
Center for Media and Democracy, “Of a total statewide discharge of 6,645 pounds, the Georgia-Pacific facility
emitted 3,410 pounds, or 51 percent, greater than all the other discharges of other facilities combined. In 2009, the
same Georgia-Pacific facility was the only paper facility in Wisconsin to report the release of any nickel or nickel
compounds to the EPA, at a total of 3,260 pounds of nickel compounds. Of that amount, almost all of it (3,160
pounds) was emitted directly to the air or water, again leading all 38 of the reporting industrial facilities in the state”
[Center for Media and Democracy, 5/19/11]
Nickel Has Been Linked To Myriad Short And Long-Term Health Risks And Poses A Cancer Risk
Nickel Inhalation Has Been Linked To Damage To The Lungs And Kidneys, Increased Risks Of Lung And Nasal
Cancers, And Ingestion Has Caused Gastrointestinal Distress And Neurological Effects. According to the EPA
Overview of Airborne Metals Regulations, Exposure Limits, Health Effects, and Contemporary Research, “Short-term Health
Effects: One case of short-term exposure to a high level of nickel via inhalation showed damage to the lungs and kidneys.
Effects of ingestion through drinking water can include gastrointestinal distress (e.g., nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) and
neurological effects. Nickel carbonyl exposure can cause pulmonary fibrosis and renal edema. Current research is showing that
Nickel at ambient levels is capable of causing acute changes in heart rate and other health effects, partially due to its ability to
create reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Zelikoff 2002). Long-term Health Effects: Long-term exposure via skin contact can
result in nickel dermatitis, consisting of itching of the fingers, hands, and forearms. Inhalation exposure can have respiratory
effects and has been linked to an increased risk of lung and nasal cancers. Cancer Risk: Nickel inhalation in animals has been
linked to lung tumors; human studies have reported an increase risk of lung and nasal cancers among nickel refinery workers
exposed to nickel refinery dust. Nickel refinery dust and nickel subsulfide are classified by the EPA as Group A human
carcinogens, and nickel carbonyl is classified as a Group B2 probable human carcinogen.” [EPA, 12/3/10]
Carcinogenic Benzene
2007-2009: Koch Industries' Facilities In Wisconsin Released A Total Of 5,546 Pounds Of Carcinogenic Benzene.
According to the Center for Media and Democracy, “From 2007-2009, TRI data show that Koch Industries' facilities in
Wisconsin released a total of 5,546 pounds of benzene, which is a known human carcinogen and causes other serious adverse
human health effects. In 2009, discharges of benzene from Koch Industries' Flint Hills Resources facilities in Milwaukee,
McFarland, and Junction City were ranked 6th, 7th, and 9th, respectively, out of 20 industrial facilities in Wisconsin that
reported benzene releases to the EPA.” [Center for Media and Democracy, 5/19/11]
Benzene Can Lead To Aplastic Anemia, Excessive Bleeding, Damage To The Immune System And Is Linked To Leukemia
Benzene Exposure Can Lead To Aplastic Anemia, Excessive Bleeding, Damage To The Immune System And Is
Linked To Leukemia. According to the EPA Air Toxics Web Site, “Neurological symptoms of inhalation exposure to
benzene include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and unconsciousness in humans. Ingestion of large amounts of benzene
may result in vomiting, dizziness, and convulsions in humans. Exposure to liquid and vapor may irritate the skin, eyes, and
upper respiratory tract in humans. Redness and blisters may result from dermal exposure to benzene. Animal studies show
neurologic, immunologic, and hematologic effects from inhalation and oral exposure to benzene. Tests involving acute
exposure of rats, mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs have demonstrated benzene to have low acute toxicity from inhalation,
moderate acute toxicity from ingestion, and low or moderate acute toxicity from dermal exposure. […] Chronic inhalation of
certain levels of benzene causes disorders in the blood in humans. Benzene specifically affects bone marrow (the tissues that
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