SA: More than 1,000 may join class action against Pasminco

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2000
SA: More than 1,000 may join class action against Pasminco

Lawyers say more than 1,000 people are eligible to join a class action against Pasminco
over emissions from smelters in two states.

Sydney firm Coleman and Greig last month made a public appeal to identify people allegedly
affected by the emissions from lead smelters at Cockle Creek in New South Wales and Port
Pirie in South Australia.

The firm is representing a mother and daughter in an action against Pasminco.

Solicitor PAUL GAMBIN says the firm had 312 calls on behalf of 1,018 possible victims.

The action against Pasminco alleges that the company wrongfully permitted emissions
of noxious fumes, vapours and gases, lead, sulpur dioxide and other toxic pollutants into
the air around the two smelters.

It argues these pollutants were toxic to humans, causing a range of symptoms from headaches
and nausea to behavioural problems, intellectual disabilities, asthma to tumors and cancers.

The case was started on behalf of ROSLYN COOK and her 8-year-old daughter SAMANTHA,
who lived at Boolaroo from 1989 to 1998.

The Sydney Federal Court has set May 9 as a hearing date.

Pasminco is defending the action.

AAP RTV tjd/dmc

KEYWORD: PASMINCO (ADELAIDE)

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