By Laura Price – Aug 20, 2010 1:18 PM GMT+0100
The Brazilian units of Basf SE and Royal Dutch Shell Plc. were fined a total of 622 million reais ($354 million) after former workers suffered health problems because of contamination at a plant in Paulinia, Sao Paulo state, from the 1970s to 2002.
Basf SA and Shell do Brasil will also have to pay 64,500 reais in damages to each former worker and any children born during or after their service at the plant, according to an e- mailed statement from the Paulinia Labor Court yesterday. The payments cover medical treatment, exams and individual damages.
Shell and Basf have five days, starting yesterday, to publish a statement on the decision on Brazils two largest television networks, according to the court. Former workers at the Paulinia plant then have 90 days to present health documents. Basf plans to appeal the decision, according to a spokeswoman.