The State - News from March 12, 1989

An Oroville wood treatment plant was sued for $50 million by a couple who claim that they and their three children were unnecessarily exposed to dioxin, which can cause cancer and birth defects. Herb and June Lightie noted that state health investigators found dioxin contamination of cattle and chickens after a chemical fire at the Koppers Co. plant two years ago. Steve Smith, a spokesman for the firm, said there were other sources of contamination in the area. The Lighties’ Butte County Superior Court suit is one of five actions pending against the plant for alleged toxic contamination.