Prison Inmates Allegedly Exposed to Harmful Dust From Spray Coating Removal

Case Overview

This case involves a number of a prison inmates who were exposed to airborne particulates in high concentrations during renovations to the prison facilities. The prison administration contracted with a professional coating contractor to use a particular kind of poylmer coating to seal the walls, floors, and ceiling of the renovated rooms. The prison had a water intrusion problem, which the coating was meant to address. However, the coating process was unsuccessful, and the seal was not complete. As a result, the coating cracked and leaked, and the prison decided to strip it off with grinders. The inmates and employees describe weeks of almost constant exposure to the dust the grinding caused. Several of them eventually developed chronic respiratory issues, allegedly due to their exposure to the dust.

Questions to the Materials expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience with the application of coating materials, their proper use, safety requirements, etc?

I have 40+ years experience in the formulation, application, surface preparation, failure analysis, and safety aspects of paint and coatings applied to various surfaces. My primary technical expertise is in coatings and corrosion. I also have in-depth knowledge of isocyanates (main ingredient in polyurethane paints), how to properly prepare the surface to apply them, and how to safely remove them.

Are you familiar with the safety concerns that are important to any effort to grind the hardened material off the walls, ceiling, and floor?

I am knowledgeable in how to safely grind hardened material/paint from surfaces. It sounds as if proper safety precautions were not taken to limit inmate's exposure to the particulate, which can have detrimental long-term health effects.

About the expert

This expert is an accomplished materials scientist and technologist with an outstanding record of achievement in chemical research and development. Particular areas of specialty include fluoropolymers, metal coatings, corrosion, polymers, materials science, general chemistry, electrochemistry, and plastics. He earned his PhD in Materials Science from Lehigh University and is a member of both the American Chemical Society and the American Coatings Association. This expert has held a number of research and management positions in the plastics/coatings/materials fields, and is currently the founder & CEO of a materials science consultancy.

E-009871

Specialties:

Materials