Judge Calls Simulated Exposure Test "Junk Science"; Strikes Asbestos Experts from Witness List

PARIS, Texas - A Texas judge has granted a defense motion to keep two experts from testifying in several asbestos cases because the methods they used to gauge the degree of exposure from certain products are unacceptable and amount, the judge says, to junk science. In Re: Lamar County Asbestos Litigation, No. n/a (Texas Dist. Ct., Lamar Cty.).

The July 5 order filed by Judge Jim D. Lovett of the Lamar County District Court notes that test conducted by Dr. William Longo and Richard Hatfield are not scientifically reliable, and therefore cannot be admissible in the asbestos cases.

Hatfield and …