A class action lawsuit has been filed against the electronics company alleging refrigerators produce chilled water and ice cubes laced with toxic substances. The lawsuit was filed in US District Court in Newark and claims LG Electronics USA Inc. committed consumer fraud, breach of express warranty, product liability and unjust enrichment.
Water from the refrigerators was tested at the Connecticut Department of Health's public health laboratory and at another facility. Both laboratories found that the water contained high levels of toxic and potentially carcinogenic volatile organic compounds. The compounds included ethylbenzene, styrene and toluene.
The US Environmental Protection Agency says ethylbenzene, which is used in the manufacture of styrene, causes respiratory effects, such as throat irritation and chest constriction, irritation of the eyes and neurological effects such as dizziness in humans. Styrene is used in the manufacture of rubber and plastics. Toluene is used to make dyes and explosives, and as a solvent. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies styrene and ethylbenzene as possible carcinogens.
LG Electronics USA is the American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a Seoul-based global company that sells consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications goods. LG had sales of $38.5 billion in 2006 and employs 82,000 workers.
