Petro Source defends toxic tort cases related to sale of virgin mineral spirits to Safety-Kleen

Client(s) Petro Source Investments Inc.

Jones Day is defending Petro Source Investments Inc. in 20 toxic tort cases coordinated in Los Angeles. Since 2006, 52 civil cases have been filed. Petro Source has been dismissed in 32 of them; 20 cases are currently pending. Nine cases will be set for jury trial in 2017. Between 1988 and 1993, Petro Source manufactured and sold virgin mineral spirits to Safety-Kleen. Plaintiffs allege that the mineral spirits contained unsafe levels of benzene, and that Safety-Kleen used the mineral spirits to make a solvent sold to over 400,000 locations in the U.S. A number of the mechanics who used the solvent to clean automotive and other parts allege that, as a result of their alleged exposure to benzene, they contracted various diseases. The main defendant is Safety-Kleen, and there are five supplier defendants who supplied virgin mineral spirits to Safety-Kleen.

Safety-Kleen Solvent Cases, JCCP No. 4601 (Cal. Super.)