Wal-Mart and 3M Blamed in Teen's Death
By Richard Seward
Published on June 11, 2007
According to the lawsuit, Kasey Jo Easley, 19, lapsed into unconsciousness and later died after inhaling 3M Dust Remover at a November 2006 hot tub party held at a Salinas residence.
The lawsuit, filed in Monterey Superior Court, alleges that both Wal-Mart and 3M were aware that 3M Dust Remover is used as an intoxicant, but have continued to market and retail the product without providing sufficient warnings or introducing an additive to prevent abuse.
Several companies now add a bittering agent to their aerosol products to discourage misuse. The chemical has an unpleasant taste and produces a stinging sensation when inhaled.
The lawsuit charges Wal-Mart and 3M with product liability, wrongful death, and negligence, and seeks undisclosed punitive damages. Representatives for the companies have declined to comment on the case.
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