The head of an Ithaca-based environmental database firm says he believes remaining pollution from the old IBM-Endicott manufacturing complex remains a threat to public health.

Toxics Targeting president Walter Hang is expressing concern that people exposed to TCE - trichlorethylene - used by the company over the years are at increased risk of contracting Parkinson's disease.

Former IBM-Endicott buildings at North Street and McKinley Avenue on August 15, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Former IBM-Endicott buildings at North Street and McKinley Avenue on August 15, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Speaking on WNBF Radio on Monday, Hang said TCE is "one of the main contaminants at IBM-Endicott."

Hang said although the contamination at the manufacturing site was discovered 45 years ago "it's still not cleaned up."

Hang said TCE from the facility has affected 250 acres near where IBM had operated. He said the TCE "can come up inside buildings just like radon."

The Clock Tower Building on North Street was designated IBM Building 38 when it was used by the company. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The Clock Tower Building on North Street was designated IBM Building 38 when it was used by the company. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Toxics Targeting is launching what's billed as a "Parkinson's Prevention Campaign" to provide information to people who believe they may have been exposed to the chemical.

Those interested in learning more about the initiative may go to the Toxics Targeting website.

Demolition crews removing a vacant IBM-Endicott building on January 2, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Demolition crews removing a vacant IBM-Endicott building on January 2, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Hang said he's calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to take action to ensure that remediation action is taken at known TCE dump sites.

Hang called the governor's regulatory enforcement failure at the former IBM-Endicott  site "shocking, irresponsible and unacceptable." He contends the extensive contamination that remains in the area threatens hundreds of homes with soil vapor intrusion.

Walter Hang discuss a map of New York state toxic sites on January 13, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Walter Hang discuss a map of New York state toxic sites on January 13, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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LISTEN: Walter Hang of Toxics Targeting interviewed on WNBF Radio on January 13, 2025.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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