Brookhaven lab employees file suit over exposure to toxic chemical

Workers at Brookhaven National Lab are suing over exposure to a toxic chemical.

News 12 Staff

Aug 28, 2019, 8:04 PM

Updated 1,702 days ago

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Workers at Brookhaven National Lab are suing over exposure to a toxic chemical.
The chemical trichlorethylene was used as a degreaser for the super computers that scientists use to make discoveries.
The chemical, also referred to as TCE, is also known as a human carcinogen linked to kidney cancer and kidney disease.
Joe Marino worked at the lab for two years in the late 1990s and lost a kidney to cancer. He is among several workers suing the contractors of the lab, claiming they knew the dangers of exposure to the chemical.
Fred Squires worked at the lab for almost 40 years. He was able to beat cancer but says he feels betrayed by BNL.
"I came this close to losing everything - my family would have lost me," says Squires. "I don't know how they got away with it for so long."
Frank DeVito, of Mastic Beach, worked at the lab for 31 years and used TCE everyday. He lost one kidney and had colon cancer. He must now go to dialysis three days a week.
DeVito claims 38 BNL employees have died from cancer.
Each individual lawsuit is seeking $25 million in compensation for years of hardship and suffering.
The lab has said it does not comment on pending litigation.
 


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