Rubber Workers Say Exposure Occurred During Tire-Making Process

DECATUR, Ill. -- Former employees of a Bridgestone/Firestone tire facility have sued the company and those supplying benzene-containing solvents used in the tire-making process, contending that such exposure led to a variety of fatal diseases. Blackenship, et al. v. Bridgestone Americas Holding, et al., No. 2006-L-111 (Ill. 6th Jud. Cir. Ct., Macon Cty.).

In the July 20 complaint filed in the Illinois Sixth Judicial Circuit Court for Macon County, the plaintiffs additionally contend that Bridgestone/Firestone knew of benzene hazards as early as 1921.

The nearly 20 plaintiffs claim that their employment at a Bridgestone/Firestone tire facility exposed them to benzene …