Historian to give free talk at Library of Virginia on Kepone environmental disaster

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Historian Gregory Wilson will give a free talk at the Library of Virginia in December about the Kepone environmental disaster, which caused the temporary closure of the James River to fishing fifty years ago.

On Dec. 3, Wilson, author of “Poison Powder: The Kepone Disaster in Virginia and Its Legacy,” will host a talk on the Kepone environmental disaster and its lasting effects on Virginia's environment.

In December 1975, the Virginia governor at the time, Mills Godwin, closed the James River to fishing due to the Kepone environmental disaster caused by pesticide contamination.

"The toxic impact came to light after workers at Life Science Products, a small pesticide factory in Hopewell, Virginia, became ill after exposure to Kepone, the brand name for the pesticide chlordecone," the Library of Virginia said.

News of ill workers eventually led to the discovery of widespread environmental contamination of the nearby James River and the landscape of the city.

A book signing will follow the talk, according to the Library.

The Library of Virginia said Wilson is Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Akron, where he researches and teaches Ohio history, as well as public history, labor and the environment in the 20th century.

This event is co-sponsored by the James River Association and the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

Registration is required. To find more information and reserve your spot, visit the Library's website.