Florida Man Sues Lockheed over Beryllium Poisoning

By Monica Galvan

Published on July 16, 2007

Charles Ziegler, his wife, and his brother-in-law have all been diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease, a condition characterized by severe breathing problems, seizures, rashes, and swollen arms and legs.

Ziegler claims to have been exposed to toxic chemicals containing beryllium dust during his 21-year employment with Loral American Beryllium Co. Ziegler emptied bags of beryllium dust at a plant that manufactured nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Ziegler’s wife and brother-in-law were likely exposed to the harmful dust when he returned from work each day with the dust on his clothing.

Now all three family members are suffering from beryllium disease, which can develop into cancer and lung disease.

Representatives from Lockheed Martin and Loral American Beryllium declined to comment on the pending lawsuit.

The suit seeks more than $15,000 for each plaintiff.

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