Factory Accident Causes Dangerous Chemical Leak

Case Overview

This case involves a toxic tort surrounding a factory accident in Nebraska that caused a dangerous leakage of ethyl acrylate. In the weeks following the accident, residents in the surrounding communities began to complain of respiratory infections and skin irritation. It was alleged that the ethyl acrylate leak caused major health complications for the nearby residents. An expert toxicologist familiar with the impact of ethyl acrylate on the human body was sought to review the records and opine on whether ethyl acrylate caused the reactions individuals in the surrounding area suffered.

Questions to the Genetics expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your experience in toxicology.

I have extensive experience in evaluating and integrating toxicological data. My primary emphasis has been on mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, but I am also familiar with other toxicological effects of concern. I am also familiar with how the US and European regulatory authorities view mutagenicity and carcinogenicity test results and their relevance for human health risk. I have experience testing ethyl acrylate for mutagenic/genetic damage, and its relationship to carcinogenicity. I have published and lectured on the mutagenicity of ethyl acrylate and its relationship to the ethyl acrylate carcinogenicity studies in rodents.

What impact can this chemical have on individuals who suffer second-hand exposure?

I can speak to the impact that this chemical would have had on individuals following a leak once I have more information regarding their levels and routes of exposure and further review of the materials.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has over four decades of experience in the fields of toxicology and environmental science. He received his Masters and Ph.D in Microbiology from George Washington University, and his J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law. This expert has won a number of prestigious awards, including the Superior Performance Award from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the FDA Award of Merit. He is a member of several toxicology organizations, has over 200 publications and a multitude of book chapters in the field. After retiring from a research career with the government, this expert now consults independently through his own firm.