MISSOURI, USA — A Washington state appeals court overturned a ruling Wednesday that awarded three Monroe teachers millions in damages over chemical exposure at Sky Valley Education Center.
The teachers sued Missouri-based Monsanto and were initially awarded $18 million, $17 million and $15 million respectively, including $45 million each in punitive damages.
The teachers were reportedly exposed to highly toxic chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in classrooms at Sky Valley Education Center.
A Washington state appeals court found there were issues with the initial trial, including damages awarded for claims not allowed under Missouri law, and inadmissible expert testimony.
Monsanto called the appeals court's decision a "very significant" ruling.
"The Court of Appeals identified multiple errors - that cut across most SVEC trials that have been completed - including the unreliability of Plaintiffs’ exposure evidence that cuts across all 8 SVEC cases tried to date," a Monsanto spokesperson said in a statement. "Specifically, the Court of Appeals held that the trial court improperly denied the Company’s statute of repose defense, erroneously admitted a major portion of plaintiffs’ key expert exposure opinions, and wrongfully allowed punitive damages on plaintiffs’ post-sale failure to warn."
Monsanto was the sole manufacturer of PCBs, outlawed in the 1970s. Monsanto promoted the chemicals without alerting anyone of their harmful nature, attorney Sean Gamble said at the time. Monsanto contests this allegation, saying it provided appropriate warnings to customers.
Attorneys in 2018 said PCBs were in the light ballasts and caulking. As the infrastructure deteriorated, the chemicals were released into the air.
The appeals court remanded the case back to a trial court for further proceedings.
'Chemical poisoning' at Sky Valley Education Center
More than 100 people reported health issues due to the Monroe School District buildings over the years, but Monroe waited until 2016 to take action.
Health issues reported include autoimmune problems, neurological disorders, breathing and cardiac problems, thyroid and endocrine disorders, skin problems, developmental disorders in children, even the early onset of puberty, reproductive disorders, stomach pain, liver damage, vision problems and nausea.
Children, teachers and parents coping with adverse medical effects blamed their health problems on poisoning at the school.
A lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court documented contamination in 2016, but issues dated back years.
Another lawsuit against Washington State and the Monroe School District claimed both knew PCBs in school buildings could cause health issues, according to a 2006 study done by the state.
In 2007, a survey of school buildings found Sky Valley Education Center's level of deterioration was the most severe in the school district, known to be contaminated by PCBs. Instead of closing down, the Monroe School District continued education in the facility.