A Magna woman is suing Kennecott Copper, saying the plant's mining operations caused her to develop a medical condition.

Tammy Van Zalinge's developed beryllium sensitivity from hazardous substances being dispersed into the air during mining, according to a lawsuit filed last week in 3rd District Court.

A Kennecott spokesman, when contacted Monday evening, said he did not know anything about the suit and could not comment on the allegations.

Van Zalinge has lived in Magna for more than 20 years and was diagnosed with beryllium sensitivity about five years ago, her husband, Glenn Van Zalinge, said.

The woman began noticing sores in her mouth and initially thought she had sarcoma, Glenn Van Zalinge said.

"Tammy went on the Internet and just started reading up on it," he said. "Now she has to go every year for testing."

Beryllium sensitivity is an immune system response to beryllium exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Glenn Van Zalinge said the plant is the only possible source of exposure.

The condition causes a film to build up in Tammy Van Zalinge's mouth, making it difficult to speak, her husband said.

"She makes about 800 phone calls a day where she works," he said.

The condition can also lead to other beryllium illnesses, such as chronic beryllium disease, which affects the lungs.

Glenn Van Zalinge said plant officials never notified him of potential problems with beryllium or other substances, and the lawsuit alleges plant officials "acted with a knowing and reckless indifference."

The lawsuit seeks personal injury damages for both Glenn and Tammy Van Zalinge, and leaves the door open for future plaintiffs.

"There might be people out there who have it and don't know," Glenn Van Zalinge said. "Tammy didn't even know."

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