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Judge allows cancer lawsuit against Whirlpool to move forward

City of Clyde
City building in Clyde, Ohio

A federal judge in Ohio is allowing a cancer lawsuit against the Whirlpool Corporation to go ahead.

After documenting a high incidence of childhood cancer around the company's Clyde, OH plant, several families filed suit, accusing the Benton Harbor company of polluting the air and water. Clyde is about 50 miles from Michigan.

Whirlpool asked that the case be dismissed for lack of proof.

Attorney Chuck Boyk represents the families. He says the ruling will force Whirlpool to reveal what chemicals they use at the plant.

“There have been a large number of whistleblowers who have made allegations. Now we get an opportunity to put those people under oath," says Boyk.  “It's been a big source of worry because basically every family in Clyde is in desperate fear that their child is the next one to develop cancer."

The Tuesday ruling allows personal injury and wrongful death claims to proceed, affecting some 30 of the original 50 plaintiffs.

Whirlpool says in a statement that they are happy with the judge's decision to dismiss part of the suit and said there is no scientific nor medical basis for the cancer claims. 

-Megha Satyanarayana, Michigan Radio News