Washington Supreme Court Upholds $185M Verdict Against Monsanto for School PCB Contamination

The Washington state Supreme Court reinstated a $185 million jury verdict against Bayer's Monsanto unit involving toxic PCB contamination at the Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe, Washington. The case centers on claims from three teachers who developed serious illnesses, including brain damage, after exposure to PCBs leaking from the school's lighting fixtures, chemicals banned in 1979 due to health risks. This verdict, likely the largest product liability award upheld in Washington, was previously vacated by a lower court but has now been revived, potentially affecting nine other related cases on appeal. Monsanto, acquired by Bayer in 2018, disputes the ruling and is considering further legal action, maintaining that evidence linking PCBs to the illnesses is insufficient. Over 200 students, staff, and parents have alleged health problems from PCB exposure at the school, leading to multiple lawsuits and settlements exceeding $600 million. The court's decision underscores corporate accountability for concealing toxic chemical risks in public institutions.