Shell, Chevron Named in New Federal Benzene Exposure Lawsuit

LINCOLN, Neb. - Several oil and chemical companies, including Shell Oil Co. and Chevron U.S.A., were sued by the representatives of two deceased Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. workers who allegedly developed cancer after being exposed to benzene-containing products. Peet v. Barton Solvents Inc., et al., No. 4:09-cv-03021 (D. Neb.).

The Feb. 4 complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in the District of Nebraska against Barton Solvents, Chevron U.S.A., Citgo Petroleum Corp., Shell Chemical Co., Shell Oil Co. and Union Oil Company of California. On Feb. 18, the case was reassigned to Judge Joseph F. Bataillon and Magistrate …