EDWARDSVILLE — A Wood River woman is suing two Illinois manufacturers, alleging they exposed the community to the harmful effects of benzene chemicals.
Janice Hunter filed a complaint on June 20 in Madison County Circuit Court against Rust-Oleum Corporation and Turtle Wax Inc., alleging they failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety, health and welfare of others living in close proximity to their Wood River facilities.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that in January 2008, she was diagnosed with lymphoma due to direct exposure, inhalation, ingestion and/or absorption of the benzene being emitted, leaked, spilled, dumped and otherwise discharged into the air and surface/ground water by the defendants at the Wood River facilities.
Hunter claims she was a long-time resident of Wood River.
As a result, Hunter claims she had to undergo chemotherapy treatment and suffered pain, suffering and medical bills.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to sufficiently test, monitor and research the human health effects of benzene and benzene-containing products or processes on residents living in close proximity to where the chemical was being used, failed to warn people living near the Wood River facilities of the harmful effects of benzene chemicals and failed to recall and/or cease using benzene and benzene-containing products.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in an amount in excess of $50,000 together with costs expended and for any further relief the court deems just and proper.
She is represented by Christopher Dysart of The Dysart Law Firm PC in Chesterfield, Mo.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-870