This case involves multiple residents of a neighborhood that allegedly contracted neurological disorders due to toxic exposure to chemicals. Residents were diagnosed with toxic encephalopathy, schizophrenia, and tremors, among others. The neighborhood in question borders a natural gas power plant. The residents observed changes in their water quality over the course of several months. The running water in their homes had become foamy and grey in color. A soil test detected elevated levels of a number of toxic chemicals and blood tests of some of the affected residents revealed elevated levels of the same chemicals. An expert in neurotoxicology was sought to opine on the link between toxic chemical exposure and neurological disorders.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Are the diagnosed disorders/symptoms consistent with studies involving disorders caused by exposure to the chemicals at issue?
2. What level of exposure to these chemicals would an individual have to sustain to cause these disorders?
3. How could a reasonable quantification of the plaintiffs' sustained exposure be properly estimated?
Expert Witness Response E-013460
I have 40+ years of neurotoxicology research experience in the laboratory and the field. I also have specific experience with petrochemical neurotoxicology. Some of the symptoms described are consistent with studies involving disorders caused by exposure to the chemicals at issue. Acute exposure could account for some disorders, prolonged exposure for others. Exposures are likely to vary substantially but individual estimates could be made. A reasonable quantification of exposure level could possibly be done from deep soil levels where evaporation has yet to occur, but these to prior levels would be a huge challenge.
About the author
Wendy Ketner, M.D.
Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.
Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.
Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.
