Man Files Cancer Lawsuit against Energizer

By Monica Galvan

Published on July 05, 2007

John Charles Mikell was diagnosed last year with a form of kidney cancer known as renal cell carcinoma. Mikell claims that his cancer was caused by exposure to cadmium dust over a seven month period when he delivered and picked up pallets from Energizer’s former plant in Alachua.

Cadmium dust is a byproduct of the batteries.

According to Mikell’s attorney, Energizer’s employees wore protective clothing and used specific safety precautions when exposed to the dust – yet, Mikell, a contracted worker, was never informed of the risk of working with the dust that allegedly coated the pallets.

The lawsuit claims that Energizer was responsible for warning Mikell of the dangers involved upon entering the property and that Mikell should have been provided with protective equipment.

Energizer has not issued a statement on the pending legal action. So far, Mikell’s is the only such case to arise at the Alachua plant.

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