
176 Climate Management Issues
The drums sat so long exposed to the outdoor elements that they began to
deteriorate and leak. When it rained, the barrels would ll with water, over-
ow, and wash the chemicals that were inside into nearby Wilson Creek,
which led to the Ohio River. Chemicals were found in them such as toluene
(which is associated with liver and kidney damage and respiratory illness, is
harmful to developing fetuses, and can cause death) and benzene (which can
cause leukemia and neurological problems and weaken immune systems).
This incident gained much national attention; it helped spur the creation of
the Superfund.
In March