Product News and Recalls

Company sued over toxic chemical emissions

A report in The Daily News out of Galveston, Texas, says that more than 50,000 people have sued BP, claiming they got sick after the company’s Texas City refinery released toxic chemicals into the air.

From April 6 to May 16, 2010, a problem with a compressor at the refinery resulted in more than 500,000 pounds of chemicals being released. Those emissions included benzene, which is known to cause cancer.

A state investigation and subsequent lawsuit found that the company’s decision to keep operating the unit during that time amounted to a violation of the state’s air quality laws. BP paid a $50 million fine in a comprehensive settlement with the state that included past air emission violations.

According to records from the Galveston County District Clerk’s Office, the company now faces 53,800 plaintiffs who claim they suffered ill health effects as a result of the emissions event.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, benzene ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume in the United States. Benzene is also a component in the controversial form of natural gas extraction known as “hydraulic fracturing,” or “fracking.”

If you believe you’ve been harmed by exposure to benzene, contact Lopez McHugh for a free case evaluation.

See the report here:

https://galvestondailynews.com/story/321774