This is suspected to have damaged the integrity of the canal"s protective clay covering (Beauchamp p. 107). The damage was evident when water from heavy rains and snow entered the chemical area and overflowed into the ground and basements of resident"s homes and caused chemical burns in children (Beauchamp p. 107). .

             In an investigation by the Health Commissioner of New York in 1978 several residents showed signs of liver damage, young women had 3 times the normal incidence of miscarriage and the incidence of birth defects was 3 ½ times greater in the area (Beauchamp p. 107). After the studies the school was closed and pregnant women and children were advised to leave the area (Beauchamp p. 107). The state of New York bought 235 of the houses and President Carter declared Love Canal a disaster area (Beauchamp p. 107). .

             Although records are inaccurate, it is indicated that approximately 21,000 tons of different chemicals were dumped at the site between 1942 and 1953 (Beauchamp p. 107). More than 250 different chemicals have been identified. Some of them are the most lethal substances known; such as dioxin, arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, mercury, DDT"s and PCB"s. Many are mutagens, teratogens and carcinogens (http://www.globalserve.net/spire/atomcc/chemical.htm).

             In 1977 the city of Niagara Falls hired an engineering firm to study the site and make recommendations about how to clean up the 21,000 tons of toxic waste. The Hooker Chemical Corporation helped by giving technical assistance, information and personnel. Hooker, the school board and the city equally shared the bill for the second study. Hooker also offered to pay 1/3 of the clean up costs which were estimated to be about $850,000 (Beauchamp p. 108).

             In 1980 Hooker Chemical Corporation was facing over $2 billion dollars in lawsuits for the Love Canal and other cases. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also had filed four suits against them for $124.