Experts Discuss Occupational Exposure to Toxins in Oil Refinery Workers

Case Overview

This case involves a number of workers who claimed that they were exposed to a number of highly toxic substances during their employment at a large petroleum processing facility. The facility in question was undergoing an extensive modernization refit throughout the period during which the alleged exposure occurred, during which time it was claimed that the facility’s fume management system was not functioning properly. The workers alleged that the system was not functioning correctly for several months, during which time they were exposed to high levels of toxic chemicals. The Plaintiffs in this case began to experience a number of neurological symptoms while working at the facility, including depression, balance issues, and numbness and tingling in their extremities. It was alleged that the refinery failed to adequately safeguard worker safety during the modernization program.

Questions to the Toxicology expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your familiarity with the subject matter described above.

As a toxicologist, I have a wealth of experience in evaluating chemical emissions from oil and gas production, processing, and refining. These chemicals include benzene and other hydrocarbons, sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds.

Have you ever published or lectured on this subject/issue?

I have published a chapter on shale oil toxicology in the 3rd Edition of the Encyclopedia of Toxicology, Elsevier Publishing Company, 2014. I have also lectured on the subject in my undergraduate teaching and in toxicology training courses I have conducted.

Can you speak to the harmful effects of these chemicals and the measures that should have been in place to avoid exposure?

I can definitely opine about the harmful effects of mercaptans and other oil and gas chemicals. I can also discuss personal protection equipment that could be used to limit exposures. I can also comment generally on emission control measures. In this case, it appears that the workers were indeed exposed to unacceptable levels of environmental toxins, however a more thorough investigation is warranted in order to confirm.

About the expert

This expert is a board certified Toxicologist and a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the environmental field. He has studied environmental engineering, air pollution, toxicology, industrial hygiene and many other relevant subjects and has extensive education, training, and experience dealing with CO, H2S and mold poisonings. He is a member of several professional organizations including the Society of Toxicology and the American College of Toxicology. Currently, this expert is a toxicologist at a privately owned toxicology and human health risk assessment firm.