Former school worker files fumes suit

CHARLESTON - A former school employee says she was exposed to harmful chemicals while working.

Maggie Conner filed a lawsuit Sept. 19 in Kanawha Circuit Court against eight companies but not the state Board of Education, which employed her from October 1978-May 2004.

She says she retired in December 2005, but while working was exposed to chemical solvents like Acetone, Mineral Spirits, Varsol, Kilz, Dursol and PrepRite Pro Block.

Oil Service, Inc.; Sherwin Williams Co.; United Gilsonite Laboratories; Matthews Lubricant Corp.; Oliver Fuels and Oils, Inc.; Pratt and Lambert United, Inc.; Exxon Mobil Chemical; and Industrial Chemical Company, Inc. are listed as the defendants.

Conner says the companies' chemicals were "deleterious, poisonous, toxic and seriously harmful to the plaintiff's body, lungs, respiratory system, heart, skin and health."

She adds that her earning capacity was greatly diminished, and no life insurance company would cover her.

The complaint also says that the companies should have provided safeguards for anyone who uses them.

John Skaggs of The Calwell Practice is representing Conner.

Judge Jennifer Bailey Walker has been assigned the case.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 06-C-1951