Monsanto Faces Trial Over PCB Exposure at Vermont High School

Former teachers allege cognitive and autoimmune disorders from harmful PCB levels in school building materials.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Monsanto Co. must go to trial over its alleged liability in exposing four teachers to harmful levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) through building materials used in Burlington High School. The former teachers presented sufficient evidence of a probable link between PCBs and their injuries, including cognitive and autoimmune disorders, to preclude summary judgment in favor of Monsanto, a federal judge ruled.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns over the health impacts of legacy toxic chemicals like PCBs, which were widely used in construction materials before being banned in the 1970s. It also raises questions about corporate liability for past environmental contamination that continues to affect communities.

The details

The teachers worked at Burlington High School for years before it was shuttered in 2020 after environmental testing showed PCB levels exceeding federal and state limits. The plaintiffs allege that Monsanto, as the primary manufacturer of PCBs, is liable for their exposure and resulting health issues.

  • Burlington High School was closed in 2020 due to elevated PCB levels.
  • The lawsuit against Monsanto was filed in 2021.

The players

Monsanto Co.

A major agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology company that was the primary manufacturer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) before they were banned.

Burlington High School

A public high school in Burlington, Vermont that was closed in 2020 due to dangerous PCB contamination levels in the building materials.

Judge William K. Sessions III

The federal judge presiding over the case against Monsanto, who ruled that the former teachers presented sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

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What they’re saying

“The plaintiffs presented sufficient evidence 'of a probable link between PCBs and their injuries' to preclude summary judgment in favor of Monsanto.”

— Judge William K. Sessions III, U.S. District Court Judge (bloomberglaw.com)

What’s next

The case will now proceed to trial, where a jury will determine Monsanto's liability for the teachers' alleged PCB-related health issues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing public health and environmental challenges posed by legacy toxic chemicals like PCBs, which continue to impact communities decades after being banned. It also underscores the need for stronger corporate accountability and remediation efforts for past environmental contamination.