Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accused Volkswagen (VW) of selling nearly half a million diesel cars after intentionally bypassing minimal standards that screen for air pollution (in spite of these cars promising to be better on fuel efficiency and the environment). Specifically, the exhaust from the Volkswagen diesel engines includes larger particulates, which are considered a health hazard and can cause lung, throat, and eye irritation, as well as some neurological effects and even cancer.
Although diesel vehicle makers have been perfecting the control of emissions, researchers with the International Council on Clean Transportation found that Volkswagen’s emission were up to 35 times higher than the government limit. According to Volkswagen, a particular software that’s in 11 million cars globally is responsible, and almost 500,000 were sold in the U.S.
Fines assessed against the company could total around $18 billion (or almost $38,000 per car). According to the EPA, VW must also now initiate the process to fix the emissions systems in these cars so that they no longer present a safety hazard—no specific actions from car owners are required at this time.
Affected Models
According to the EPA, the specific Volkswagen models affected include the:
- Passat (2014-2015);
- Audi (2009-2015);
- Beetle (2009-2015);
- Jetta (2009-2015); and
- Golf (2009-2015).
Other Health Effects and Lawsuits
The transportation industry is facing increasing numbers of lawsuits regarding alleged health problems resulting from diesel exposure, which not only includes cancer, but also respiratory issues and even brain damage in some instances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)–International Agency for Research on Cancer, diesel engine fumes can specifically cause lung cancer. Those who face the highest risks of course are those who work with diesel on a regular basis, including truck drivers, railroad workers, firemen, construction workers, mechanics, and others. Railroad workers in particular have been successful in receiving compensation for injuries related to exposure to diesel for over 40 years of employment.
As more scientific information emerges from the EPA and WHO, the link between these health problems and the cause (exposure to diesel exhaust) has become clearer. Although the EPA implemented rules governing diesel emissions in 2007, people are still finding themselves injured by the product, and in addition, industry (as indicative in this case) does not always follow the standards.
Environmental Litigators in Louisiana
Companies and landowners in Louisiana sometimes violate federal, state and local environmental laws that regulate the discharge of pollutants into the environment. Sometimes the company or person in charge decides that it’s cheaper to pollute than to prevent toxic and chemical exposure to innocent people.
Having spent years litigating against these bad actors and negligent parties, the attorneys of Harrell & Nowak can be your environmental hazards lawyer in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and other areas throughout Louisiana. Contact us today for a free consultation.