Man says 23 companies exposed him to float-sink lab chemicals

CHARLESTON -- A man named 23 defendants in a lawsuit claiming he was exposed to float-sink lab chemicals during his employment.

James E. Elswick Sr. claims the defendants failed to warn him adequately of the adverse health effects and risk of harm from exposure to the chemicals, according to a complaint filed July 2 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Elswick claims his employers failed to provide adequate and protected work environments and ventilation and failed to provide adequate personal protective clothing and equipment for use with float-sink chemicals.

As a result of the defendants' conduct, Elswick has suffered an increased risk of contracting serious diseases, including damage to peripheral and central nervous systems; damage to liver and kidneys; cancer; blood disorders; reproductive problems; skin disorders; respiratory problems; and other temporary and permanent damages, according to the suit.

Elswick is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, recovery of the costs for medical screening and future medical monitoring and pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Thomas F. Basile.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.

Arkema, Inc.; Belmont Laboratories; Carbon Fuel Company; Diamond Shamrock, Inc.; Dow Chemical Company; Gulf States Energy, Inc.; ICL-IP America, Inc.; Ineos Chlor America, Inc.; Interstate Chemical Co., Inc.; JSC Kaustik; Legacy Vulcan Corp.; Magic Chemicals, Inc.; Mid-State Chemical & Supply Corp.; Miljac, Inc.; Occidental Chemical Corporation; Oltchim, S.A.; PPG Industries; Preiser Scientific, Inc.; Primachem, Inc.; PVS Chemicals, Inc.; Solvay Chemicals International SA; Univar USA; and US Chemicals, Inc. were named as defendants in the suit.

Kanawha Circuit Court case numbers: 10-C-1208