In a dramatic legal move that has drawn significant public attention, a former employee sued agricultural giant alleging prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals has caused him severe and lasting health issues. 

A 63-year-old former employee has filed a lawsuit against Bayer Crop Science, LLC, doing business as SBM Life Science, and its executive Werner Baumann, alleging severe health impacts due to prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals. 

Edward Alderete lodged the complaint in Harris County District Court on May 28, 2024, accusing the agricultural giant of negligence and failure to provide a safe working environment.

Alderete, according to the lawsuit, was employed as a formulator at the Pasadena branch of Bayer Crop Science from 1985 until his retirement in 2022. Every day, he mixed liquid chemicals at work to make pesticides. Alderete claims he was regularly exposed to harmful substances such as Benzene and Cylathern without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). The business is accused of failing to implement appropriate safety procedures in spite of many complaints regarding chemical spills and safety infractions. 

Alderete said in the petition that “there were numerous instances where I was exposed to dangerous chemicals that came into contact with my skin and lungs.” He related an occasion in which a safety manager alluded to concerns by inhaling deeply in front of staff members, only to collapse moments later.

Werner Baumann and Bayer Crop Science are accused of carelessness on multiple counts in the complaint. Alderete contends that the defendants neglected to provide the required PPE, adequately supervise employees, keep a safe working environment, and react appropriately to chemical accidents. 

Furthermore, he asserts that the company’s actions—emitting air pollutants without the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) permission—violated the Texas Clean Air Act. For these alleged breaches, the suit asks for injunctive relief, civil penalties, attorney’s fees, and court expenses.

Alderete is requesting more than $1 million in damages to cover the costs of his injuries-related medical bills as well as continuing care. He also demands exemplary damages to hold the defendants accountable for their egregious carelessness, as well as payment for emotional distress, bodily pain and suffering, loss of life’s enjoyment, and disfigurement. “Their negligent acts constituted such an entire want of care as to establish they were indifferent to my rights and welfare,” Alderete stated.

Chemical exposure attorneys at Mokaram Law Firm, Sasha Seyvani and Ali Mokaram, who specialize in such cases, are representing Alderete. Judge Jalisa Feagin of the Harris County District Court will preside over the case, which has been assigned Case ID 2024-33631. 

This lawsuit against Bayer Crop Science highlights significant concerns regarding workplace safety and corporate responsibility in handling hazardous chemicals. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how agricultural companies address and mitigate chemical exposure risks for their employees.