Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating reports of recurring chemical odors affecting residents who live near the Sherwin-Williams coatings manufacturing facility at 372 Cleveland Street in Rochester, Pennsylvania.
Residents in the surrounding area have reported strong chemical, sweet, paint-like, or solvent-like odors that can travel into nearby neighborhoods and interfere with their ability to comfortably use and enjoy their homes.
Some residents have reported smelling the odors inside their homes even with the windows closed, while others say the smell has caused them to keep their windows shut, avoid spending time outside, or limit their use of yards, decks, and porches.
Migliaccio & Rathod LLP would like to hear from homeowners and renters in Rochester and surrounding communities who have experienced these odors, particularly those living within approximately one mile of the Sherwin-Williams facility.
Residents Report:
- strong chemical, sweet, paint-like, or solvent-like odors near their homes;
- odors entering their homes even when windows are closed;
- being unable to comfortably open windows because of the smell;
- avoiding yards, decks, porches, or other outdoor areas;
- difficulty allowing children to play outside;
- odors interfering with entertaining guests or enjoying their property; and
- headaches, nausea, stomach upset, or similar symptoms occurring during odor events.
Concerns About Emissions From the Rochester Facility
The Rochester facility formulates coatings used for packaging materials. These manufacturing processes may involve organic solvents, pigments, and resins, and emissions associated with the facility include volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
Pennsylvania environmental regulators have also reportedly identified compliance issues involving the facility.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued multiple Notices of Violation involving the Rochester facility. In January 2026, PADEP reportedly cited issues involving the failure to install a required thermal oxidizer and failure to conduct required stack testing on scrubbers. A thermal oxidizer is pollution-control equipment used to destroy VOCs and other organic emissions.
According to available information, the facility operates under Pennsylvania air-quality Plan Approval No. 04-00034, which includes limitations relating to VOC emissions and malodorous air contaminants.
How These Odors May Affect Nearby Residents
Recurring odors can substantially interfere with how residents use their property.
Residents have described being unable to comfortably open their windows, spend time outside, use their decks and porches, or invite guests over because of the smell. Some report that odors enter their homes and that the severity of the problem can vary depending on wind conditions.
These experiences may be especially important for homeowners and renters living within approximately one mile of the facility, although residents outside that area who have experienced recurring odors may also have relevant information.
Potential Claims May Include:
- private nuisance;
- public nuisance;
- negligence;
- interference with the use and enjoyment of property;
- diminished property value; and
- damages associated with recurring odors or emissions.
Signs You May Be Affected:
- You own or rent a home near the Sherwin-Williams facility at 372 Cleveland Street in Rochester, Pennsylvania;
- you regularly notice chemical, sweet, paint-like, solvent-like, or otherwise unusual odors near your home;
- the odors have entered your home, including while your windows were closed;
- you have had to close or avoid opening your windows because of the smell;
- you have avoided your yard, porch, deck, or other outdoor activities because of the odors; or
- the odors have otherwise interfered with your ability to comfortably use and enjoy your home.
If you live near the Sherwin-Williams facility in Rochester, Pennsylvania and have experienced recurring chemical odors or other interference with the use of your home, we would like to hear from you.
Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call.