Jurors Return Second Silica Verdict for 3M in As Many Months

BEAUMONT, Texas - For the second time in two months, a Texas jury has awarded a defense verdict to 3M in a silica case, finding that the company's respirators were not to blame for the silica-related injuries of two former laborers, HarrisMartin Publishing is reporting. Gordon v. Aearo Company, et al., No. A-168382 (Texas Dist. Ct., Jefferson Cty.).

According to sources, the jury returned the verdict Dec. 10 in the 58th Jefferson County District Court after refusing to award damages against 3M, which manufactured respirators the plaintiffs claimed they wore while working around sandblasters at refineries and other locations throughout …