Good news for Cominco workers exposed to thalliumBut Cominco faces possible legal action and finesBy 08/29/2001|hrreporter.com|Last Updated: 04/08/2003 Despite the fact that tests indicate no long-term effects from exposure to thallium, union officials representing Cominco workers are considering legal action. The grounds for a possible lawsuit lie in the fact that Cominco knew about the presence of thallium before work began on the Trail, B.C. lead-zinc smelter project.Seventy boilermakers and carpenters started maintenance work at the plant on Aug. 6. They began experiencing nausea, sore throats and diarrhea around Aug. 20, sending some to hospital. Cominco tested employees two days later and the plant was shut down on the following day. To Read the Full Story, Subscribe or Sign In Remember Me Forgot Password If you are a current Subscriber, please click here to set-up or update your login information.