Toxic Exposure & Poisoning

The following are some examples of toxic exposure and poisoning cases:

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in commercial buildings and residences until the 1980s. Inhaling asbestos fibers or dust is now a well-known cause of many diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and colon cancer. Workers in the trades were most at risk for asbestos exposure – those who worked directly with asbestos, as well as those who were on the site during installation. Disturbing asbestos that remains from an earlier installation can also cause toxic exposure.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It is most common among those who have been in contact with significant amounts of asbestos over many years, such as workers in the asbestos mining industry or factories where asbestos is used. Mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity. It is treated with radiation, surgery, and/or chemotherapy, but is often fatal.

Silicosis

Silicosis, also known as cystic fibrosis of the lungs, is a lung disease caused by inhaling the dust of concrete and other siliceous minerals. Workers most at risk for silicosis include sandblasters, concrete workers and miners. Exposure over time to these dusts causes nodules to develop in the lung tissue, which in turn causes shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. If not diagnosed early or properly treated, silicosis can be life-threatening.

Benzene Exposure

Benzene is a chemical used in the manufacture of many plastics, paints, resins, and pesticides. A dangerous carcinogen, benzene causes health problems even with short-term, low-level contact. Benzene exposure can cause headaches or, with longer or repeated exposure, aplastic anemia, or cancer like acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Benzene exposure may occur through drinking contaminated water, inhaling benzene vapors, or direct exposure to the skin. Those most at risk for benzene exposure include pesticide handlers, painters, and many manufacturing plant workers.

Lead Poisoning

Lead – a soft, metallic element – was commonly used in pencils, paints and many other products until its association with serious health risks. Lead exposure, also called lead poisoning, occurs when lead enters the blood stream and affects the kidneys, brain and central nervous system. Because growing bodies absorb lead more easily, children are at a higher risk for lead poisoning. Typical lead exposure sources include lead-containing paint chips or flakes from buildings painted before lead-containing paint was banned in 1977, on-the-job exposure in industries where lead is still used, like battery manufacturing, and soil or dust from land where lead is naturally present.

CCA-Treated Wood

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a chemical pesticide and preservative that combines arsenic, chromium and copper. CCA is often used to protect wood against rotting that result from insects, fungus, mold, and other microbes. CCA-treated wood, also known as pressure-treated wood, was used in the construction of playgrounds, decks, fences, and other structures until using CCA to treat wood was banned in 2003. However, it is expected that CCA treated wood will continue to be found where lumber is sold until the middle of 2004. Exposure to CCA has been linked to arsenic exposure that may lead to subsequent lung or bladder cancer. Children who play on playgrounds made from CCA-treated wood, and those who handle CCA-treated lumber, are most at risk for arsenic exposure.

Pesticides/Herbicides Exposure

Pesticides are physical, biological, or chemical agents used to protect plants from insects, weeds, bacteria, rodents, and other harmful pests. Many chemical pesticides pose health hazards to humans if they are inhaled or consumed in sufficient quantities. Exposure to pesticides can occur when contaminated water or food is ingested. People who work in industries that use or manufacture pesticides may also be at risk. Short-term exposure to high levels of a chemical pesticide may cause skin and eye irritation as well as organ damage or other injuries. Exposure that occurs over a long period of time may lead to serious health effects such as cancer, birth defects, or liver damage.

Toxic Mold

Stachybotrys and other toxic mold varieties can cause serious health problems, including allergies, cold and flu-like symptoms, infections, memory loss, difficulty breathing, and lung disorders. Hidden between damp or water-damaged walls, toxic mold can proliferate for years, releasing poisonous toxins that can make children and adults sick – without their even knowing mold is to blame. Toxic mold thrives in damp, moist or wet environments. If your home or workplace has water damage, it may also have toxic mold.

Manganese Poisoning & Welding Fumes

Manganese is a naturally occurring element that can be harmful in large amounts. Long-term manganese exposure, also called manganism, results in symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Tremors, neurological problems manifested by hallucinations or memory loss, and a loss of motor skills and coordination, are possible symptoms of manganese poisoning. Welders are at a high risk for manganese poisoning because the welding rods they use contain manganese. Factory workers and those who live nearby factories where manganese is used, and fumes are released into the environment, may also be affected by manganese exposure.

Toxic Exposure Lawyer

If you or a loved one is suffering from serious health effects because of toxic exposure you may be eligible for compensation. It is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.