A man who was raised in Wood River claims he developed cancer due to exposure to toxins.
The lawsuit was filed in the Madison County Circuit Court by Robert E. Womack against several companies including Shell USA, Inc., Phillips 66 Company, Aton, LLC, Safety Kleen Systems, Inc., and others.
Womack alleges that he developed prostate and colon cancer due to exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in his drinking water. These synthetic chemicals are found in many fire-fighting foams used in various industrial processes.
The lawsuit claims that the defendants knew or should have known about the toxic nature of PFAS and their potential to contaminate drinking water supplies.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages in excess of $50,000. He is represented by Joshua Edelson of Gianaris Trial Lawyers in Alton.
