The Role of Bentonite in Silica Litigation
by Chris Panatier, Esq.

photo-1 About the Author

Chris Panatier is an associate with the firm of Baron & Budd, P.C., in Dallas, Texas. He practices in the area of silica and asbestos litigation.

While foundry-based silica product liability suits have focused chiefly on the suppliers of foundry sand, several other companies face potential liability for workers' silica-related injuries. Foundries that use sand molds in the metal casting process must also purchase bonding agents to assist in molding the foundry sand. One of these agents is bentonite.

The role of bentonite in causing diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer is …