Veterans Sue KBR Over Chemical Exposure in Iraq

Strategic Insights -

Glen Bootay, a 31-year-old Army veteran, is one of at least 140 veterans who have filed a lawsuit against Houston-based defense contractor KBR Inc. over health problems they attribute to chemical exposure at a water treatment plant in Iraq. Bootay claims he was exposed to sodium dichromate while providing security at the Qarmat Ali water treatment facility in April 2003. He has undergone chemotherapy weekly and takes up to 35 medications daily to treat medical problems, including constant headaches, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and short-term memory loss. KBR is contesting the cases, arguing that Bootay and other soldiers did not do enough to determine the link between their exposure and their health problems.

Key Takeaways:

  • Glen Bootay, a 31-year-old Army veteran, is suing KBR Inc. over health problems he attributes to chemical exposure at a water treatment plant in Iraq.
  • Bootay claims he was exposed to sodium dichromate while providing security at the Qarmat Ali water treatment facility in April 2003.
  • He has undergone chemotherapy weekly and takes up to 35 medications daily to treat medical problems, including constant headaches, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and short-term memory loss.
  • KBR is contesting the cases, arguing that Bootay and other soldiers did not do enough to determine the link between their exposure and their health problems.
  • Bootay's lawsuit claims that KBR officials knew about the hazard posed by sodium dichromate at least by May 2003, but did not inform the Army until late July or early August 2003.
  • The Army Public Health Command initially reported that the soldiers' exposure to sodium dichromate was minimal and should not affect their health long-term, but has since issued a second report acknowledging the potential for long-term health effects.
  • An estimated 140 veterans are claiming health problems due to chemical exposure at the Qarmat Ali water treatment facility.
  • KBR has a no-bid Army contract for restoring the facility, which has raised questions about the company's responsibility for worker safety.

Statistics:

  • 140 veterans are suing KBR over health problems attributed to chemical exposure.
  • Glen Bootay has undergone chemotherapy weekly and takes up to 35 medications daily to treat his medical problems.
  • The Army Public Health Command initially reported that the soldiers' exposure to sodium dichromate was minimal and should not affect their health long-term.
  • The latest report by the Army Public Health Command acknowledges the potential for long-term health effects from exposure to sodium dichromate.
  • KBR has a no-bid Army contract for restoring the Qarmat Ali water treatment facility.
  • Glen Bootay was exposed to sodium dichromate in April 2003.

Sources:

  • The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, July 21, 2010
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, 2010
  • Army Public Health Command, Initial Report (no date given)
  • Army Public Health Command, Latest Report (May 2010)
  • Lyn Kukral, Army Spokeswoman (no date given)
  • Mike Doyle, Houston Attorney (phone interview, July 21, 2010)