KXLF

Posted: Jun 17, 2010 5:13 PM
Updated: Jun 18, 2010 8:43 AM

Two radiology technicians are suing Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, claiming they were exposed to unhealthy and toxic levels of chemicals used to develop x-ray film while working in a darkroom at the hospital.

According to court documents, one of the women began working at the hospital in 2000 and the other in 2007. They say shortly after they started working there they began to experience fatigue, headaches and other symptoms. In court documents, the women say they were exposed to "unhealthy and toxic levels of Glutaraldehyde and other harmful chemical gases associated with developing x-ray film."

Then, according to court documents, on May 20, 2009, maintenance workers from Bozeman Deaconess Health Services inspected the ventilation in the darkroom and discovered the ventilation fan was not plugged in and had never been operating.

The women claim that because of the "dangerous chemicals in an unventilated room," they "incurred damages, including physical injuries, medical expenses, lost earning capacity, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental, physical and emotional distress, loss of established course of life, loss of household services and other injuries."

Bozeman Deaconess Hospital issued a statement Thursday, saying the area underwent a safety consultation in June 2009 and no hazards were found.

"Bozeman Deaconess Hospital voluntarily requested an on-site safety consultation in June 2009 by the Montana Occupational Safety and Health Bureau. The State of Montana's representative reported that ‘[n]o hazards were found during the visit to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital' in the area in question," according to the statement issued by hospital marketing communications manager Connie Martin.

The statement also says the hospital has received notice that the lawsuit was filed and it is Bozeman Deaconess Health Services' policy to not offer a detailed response for inquiries on pending litigation.

The hospital says it plans to defend the matter.