Dust in vents spews forth $100k suit

A woman who inhaled unusual quantities of dust and particles while attending a business seminar at an Alton Holiday Inn is suing the hotel and its owners for more than $100,000.

According to a suit filed Nov. 15, Janice Rushing claims she suffered serious respiratory injury when the ventilation system in the hotel's conference room spewed bad air.

"A number of those in attendance at the seminar, including the plaintiff, began experiencing some difficulties in breathing, along with eye, nose and throat irritation," according to the complaint.

Rushing claims medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

The hotel, operated by Albanese Development Corp., is located at 3800 East Homer Adams Parkway. The Alton Partnership, GP, which owns the hotel, is also named as a defendant.

According to the complaint, remodeling and construction were under way in other portions of the building which may have contributed to the particles in the ventilation system.

Rushing is represented by David O. Hesi, of the Alton firm Wiseman, Hesi, Mormino, Hubbs, Velloff, Edmonds & Snider, P.C.