Fifth Death in Amoco Cancer Mystery .c The Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) -- A mysterious outbreak of brain cancer at BP Amoco PLC's suburban research center has claimed a fifth victim, oil company officials said. At the request of the victim's family, BP Amoco would not identify the employee, who died Sunday. A company spokeswoman said Monday the longtime employee was a chemical researcher at the Naperville facility who had been diagnosed a year ago with a malignant brain tumor. ``We're very sorry to lose a friend and colleague,'' said Jim Lowry, who heads BP Amoco's task force on the tumors. The latest death ``strengthens our resolve to get to the bottom of the issue.'' Since 1989, 21 workers at the facility have been diagnosed with benign and malignant brain tumors. Seven with malignant tumors worked at the building 500 complex on similar projects from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Last year, six former or current scientists filed a lawsuit, claiming Amoco ``exhibited reckless disregard for the health and well-being'' of the workers and exposed them to dangerous chemicals. BP Amoco has funded a two-year investigation of the cases. The company said in October that investigators increasingly suspect chemicals used at the center are linked to the brain tumors.
