Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Houston Chronicle
June 20, 2008 By Wire Reports
Senate Democrats are accusing defense contractor KBR of knowingly exposing its employees and U.S. troops to a potentially deadly chemical in Iraq in its rush to get the country's oil infrastructure up and running.
Two former KBR employees are expected to testify today that company officials told workers in 2003 that an orange dust-like substance covering the grounds of a water pumping plant was a minor irritant and not a health risk.
Ten days later, company officials acknowledged in a private meeting that the sodium dichromate had caused serious health problems with nearly 60 percent of workers exhibiting symptoms.
The Houston-based company denied any negligence.
"KBR's commitment to the safety and security of all employees, the troops and those we serve, is the company's top priority," spokeswoman Heather Browne said in an e-mailed statement.
June 20, 2008 By Wire Reports
Senate Democrats are accusing defense contractor KBR of knowingly exposing its employees and U.S. troops to a potentially deadly chemical in Iraq in its rush to get the country's oil infrastructure up and running.
Two former KBR employees are expected to testify today that company officials told workers in 2003 that an orange dust-like substance covering the grounds of a water pumping plant was a minor irritant and not a health risk.
Ten days later, company officials acknowledged in a private meeting that the sodium dichromate had caused serious health problems with nearly 60 percent of workers exhibiting symptoms.
The Houston-based company denied any negligence.
"KBR's commitment to the safety and security of all employees, the troops and those we serve, is the company's top priority," spokeswoman Heather Browne said in an e-mailed statement.