Class Action Seeks Medical Monitoring, Epidemiological Study

SAN FRANCISCO - Two California men sued 37 welding manufacturers on Oct. 31, seeking to represent a class of steel welders the plaintiffs say have been injured by the manganese-containing welding fumes emitted by the companies' products. Donald Simonds, et al. v. A.O. Smith Corp., et al. No. C-05-4145 (N.D. Calif.).

Donald Simonds and Jeff Butler, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, sued A.O. Smith Corp., Air Products & Chemicals Inc., Airco Inc., Allegheny Technologies Inc., Arcos Industries, Avesta Polarit Welding Inc., The BOC Group Inc., Caterpillar Inc., The ESAB Group Inc., Eutectic Corp., General Electric Co., Harsco …