Ex-Painter Names Respirator Defendants in Recent Lawsuit

ST. LOUIS -- A recent Missouri lawsuit names both paint and respirator defendants, contending that the named parties used unnecessary chemicals in paint and that the respirators worn by the plaintiff did not adequately protect him. Blackwood, et al. v. 3M Co., et al., No. 052-732 (Mo. 22nd Jud. Cir. Ct.).

In a Feb. 25 lawsuit filed in Missouri's 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, plaintiffs Jimmie and Michelle Blackwood contend that Jimmie's work as a painter exposed him to benzene, causing his acute myelogenous leukemia.

The plaintiffs allege that the respirators used by Jimmie Blackwood were defective and were sold …