Each year there are 7,337,549 tons of toxic chemicals released into the environment by industry. This is equal to about 21 billion pounds of toxic chemicals released into the environment. This poses a serious risk to humans and the environment.
Two million tons or 4.5 billion pounds of these toxins are carcinogens of the chemicals released. This is about 65 kilograms every second of carcinogens put into the environment.
What does this mean for humans? It means there’s a high risk of toxic exposure wherever you work or live.
These carcinogens can lead to serious illnesses impacting your ability to live your life. What should you do if you believe you may have experienced a toxic chemical exposure?
Common Toxins Involved in Toxic Chemical Exposure
You might wonder what toxins are a risk for exposure. Common chemicals that pose a risk include:
- Asbestos
- Mercury
- Lead
- Benzene
- Sodium dioxide
- Manganese
- Silica
- Isocyanates
- Polychlorinated biphenyl
- Photoresists
- Creosote
- Acetone
- 2-butanone
- Carbon tetrachloride
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Chlordane
The Type of Toxic exposure depends greatly on your location.
Asbestos exposure, for example, caused thousands of workers exposure and risk to mesothelioma. Military personnel, especially at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, had grave exposures to Trichloroethylene (TCE), Perchloroethylene (PCE), and benzene.
The impacts of your exposure often depend on what toxin you faced and the length of time you had exposure to it.
Symptoms Related to Toxic Exposure
The symptoms associated with chemical exposure are often related to the amount of time exposed. Sustained, regular exposure or contact with dangerous chemicals can lead to serious illness.
Often before diagnoses of an illness or its relation to toxic exposure, a person will experience unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms might include:
- Tearing up of the eyes
- Burning eyes and nose, chest, skin, or throat
- Headaches
- Unusual sweating
- Blurred vision
- Stomach aches
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Cough or sinus issues
- Skin Conditions
- Chemical taste in the mouth
- Anxiety
A person might experience any number of these symptoms before they ever realize they’re sick.
If you’re experiencing symptoms and worry you’ve experienced a toxic exposure; you need to see a doctor immediately. This is especially important for documentation if you later decide to file claims for toxic exposure.
Who Might Get Exposed to a Toxic Exposure?
There are many careers whose workers might face a higher risk of exposure to toxins. Because of the materials and chemicals used, these workers face a higher risk.
These jobs at higher risk include:
- Insulators
- Railroad workers
- Painters
- Textile mill workers
- Welders
- HVAC technicians
- Factory workers
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Carpenters
As a worker, it’s vital that your employer provides the necessary safety measures if there’s a possibility of toxic exposure. By failing in providing the appropriate safety measures, they open themselves up to potential litigation.
Consequences from Exposure
The consequences of chemical exposure can be grave. Exposure can lead to:
- Chemical burns
- Scarring
- Permanent nerve damage
- Eyesight loss
- Serious illnesses, including many types of cancer
- Death
Illnesses might include:
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Mesothelioma
Of course, the consequences of the exposure depend on the length of exposure and the type of toxins from the exposure.
Worker’s Compensation Coverage
Most workers have access to worker’s compensation coverage. It’s required in all states that employers carry some form of worker’s compensation coverage.
What’s interesting about worker’s compensation is that it doesn’t involve fault. For a worker’s compensation claim, you simply need to show proof of exposure to hazardous chemicals while on the job and suffered some form of injury as a result.
Suppose you’ve suffered exposure while on the job, it makes sense to start with a worker’s compensation claim. It can provide you with medical coverage and loss of wages benefits while you recover.
If you want to make a worker’s comp claim, you should:
- Report the exposure to your employer as soon as possible
- Outline how you believe the exposure occurred
- Provide names of witnesses
- Seek medical treatment
You must mention to any medical provider that you believe you’ve experienced a toxic exposure.
Personal Injury Claim
Claims for chemical exposure and a personal injury case have some rules. In most cases, you can’t file a personal injury claim against an employer. It’s the reason worker’s compensation exists.
If your toxic exposure resulted from the negligence or legal fault of someone other than the employer, then you can file a personal injury claim.
One key difference between a worker’s compensation claim and a personal injury claim is a fault. You must establish the fault in a personal injury case.
Getting the Legal Help You Need for a Toxic Exposure
If you or someone you love may have suffered from toxic exposure, you need to seek the help of an experienced attorney.
The attorney can also help you decide the best course of action, whether that’s a worker’s comp claim or a personal injury suit.
The personal injury attorney can guide you through your worker’s compensation claim to ensure you get approval. If you don’t get approval, your attorney can work with you on a personal injury claim.
They can help you gather the evidence you need to file a successful claim.
Don’t Delay Seeking Compensation for the Toxic Exposure You Suffered
Toxic exposure can have a lasting impact on your life, especially if it has occurred over a long time. Nobody should suffer the effects of toxic exposure because of the negligence of another.
If you need help protecting your rights and getting the compensation you need because of the toxic exposure, we can help. Contact us today so we can get started working on your behalf.