Environmental Health Decisions has been involved in the investigation and analysis of legal and regulatory issues and controversial claims regarding chemical causation of diseases in humans. The consultant’s solid technical background coupled with frequent involvement in risk and hazard evaluation projects provides the client with a broad perspective on the technical, economic and regulatory considerations for human health hazard evaluation work. The consultant has served as an expert witness, providing depositions and court room testimony. She has testified on issues regarding health effects of ammonia and solvents, and risk assessment as a basis for site closure.

The Phylmar Group, Inc. was retained to provide expert opinion in several asbestos litigation cases. In one case, the tenant of an office building alleged excessive exposure to asbestos containing materials as their basis for breaking a lease. Counsel on behalf of the building owner retained the consultant. Air sampling was performed in the building and found to be well below hazardous levels. The consultant provided deposition and trial testimony. The court found in favor of the building owner. Subsequent appeals by the plaintiff to the California Supreme were also unsuccessful.

The Phylmar Group, Inc. was retained by counsel representing manufacturers of mining equipment. The plaintiffs alleged that the equipment did not contain adequate safeguards to reduce dust levels. The plaintiffs alleged that their dust exposure from this equipment resulted in their contracting silicosis. The scope of work included obtaining and reviewing Mine Safety and Health Administration exposure data for the affected locations and job categories, examination of plaintiff experts depositions, and conducting an evaluation of the equipment manufacturer’s product literature as pertaining to health and safety recommendations. The cases were settled successfully at a fraction of the requested sum.

The Phylmar Group, Inc. was retained by a Fortune 500 energy company in a case involving a class action suit containing 36 plaintiffs. The plaintiffs alleged a variety of symptoms and illnesses were related to chemical exposure emanating from a petroleum refinery. The consultant’s activities included reviewing industrial hygiene data, use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls. Three depositions were given by an the consultant. The case was settled for an amount that was less than 10% of the originally requested sum.