Contractor sues Intel claiming chemical exposure led to loss of smell, taste

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – A contractor for Intel filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming he was exposed to toxic chemicals at a Hillsboro facility, which led to his loss of taste and smell, according to court documents.

The lawsuit, filed April 16 by Intel contractor Ivan Higgs, claims he was exposed to the chemicals multiple times in April 2022 while working at the Hillsboro Ronler Acres facility and is seeking over $548,000 in damages.

According to court documents, employees (or contractors) cleaned equipment with chemicals that released toxic gas and vapors in the air — including Trimethylaluminum – a highly flammable liquid and vapor – ALDM1, 20HK, ammonia gas and chlorides.

In one instance, Higgs claimed he and his apprentice smelled toxic and metallic chemicals while working and saw other employees wearing protective clothing while working with the chemicals, however, the lawsuit claims he did not have personal protective equipment.

Over the next few days, court documents say Higgs felt like his nose, lungs, and mouth were “’on fire,’” and later, completely lost his sense of smell and partially lost his sense of taste.

In another instance, Higgs was working in a harness above other Intel employees using the chemicals, and claims the air carried the vapors from the chemicals directly towards him.

Higgs reported the smell to his supervisor, and the report was passed along to Intel, court documents say, noting, Higgs did not receive a notice from Intel or its employees about the toxic materials being used to clean the equipment near him.

The lawsuit alleges Intel was negligent and failed to ventilate the area where the chemicals were used, failed to warn other workers that the chemicals were being used, and failed to provide protective equipment.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Intel said, “Intel is committed to providing a safe workplace for our employees, contractors, customers, partners and the public. We cannot comment on pending litigation.”

KOIN 6 News reached out to attorneys for Higgs but has not heard back.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.