Toxic exposure can happen anywhere, including homes, schools, and workplaces. You may face significant health problems if you work in an industry where you are constantly at risk of coming into contact with these products. Some toxins lead to cancer and other fatal diagnosis, while others lead to allergies and infections. You should have limited exposure to these chemicals to prevent their harmful effects. You do not deserve to worry about coming into contact with these toxins, and legal assistance is available. Use the guide below to learn more about some of the most common chemicals you may come in contact with and what you can do.
1. Benzen
Benzene is another carcinogen that leads to leukemia, a type of cancer that affects your blood cells and bone marrow. If you face exposure to this chemical, you will experience nervous system dysfunction in the short term, including confusion, headaches, and unconsciousness. In the long-term, you could face leukemia, anemia, and lowered white blood cell counts. This chemical is in popular products used in homes, though it is more dangerous in the manufacturing process. You can find it in detergents, rubbers, and plastics. There are class action lawsuits for employees with Benzene exposure who now have leukemia.
2. Silica
You likely know about Silica because of the gel packets that come in some products. Many natural materials have this chemical in them also, including sand, stone, and concrete. Individuals who work with ceramics, bricks, or glass are more likely to have exposure to Silica, but it is microscopic. Silica can eventually lead to lung cancer, but it does not cause mesothelioma. Other serious health conditions that come from this chemical include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and silicosis. You can file a lawsuit for a family member who died due to negligence in the workplace that caused Silica exposure.
3. Asbestos
Asbestos is a carcinogen that leads to diseases like mesothelioma, a harmful and fatal form of lung cancer. It takes a long time to reach this diagnosis, which is why it often leads to death. Asbestos companies in NY include those businesses that work in construction, aircraft, military, or engineering industries. Thankfully, if you had exposure to this chemical in your workplace, there is legal help available. There are class action lawsuits for mesothelioma patients with asbestos exposure. Talk to an experienced lawyer to receive the compensation you deserve for your treatment and your family.
4. Mercury
Mercury exposure can cause several neurological problems, including Parkinson’s Disease and hormonal disorders. You may also face kidney problems, irritability, insomnia, headaches, and weakness. One of the most common household products that uses this chemical is a fluorescent lightbulb. If one breaks, you run the risk of being exposed to mercury. Believe it or not, many individuals who work in the healthcare industry face mercury exposure. You also risk developing symptoms from this chemical if you worked in a factory that manufactured fungicides or pesticides. You can contact a mercury poisoning lawyer if you believe your health symptoms are from this toxin.
5. Aluminum
When you first think of aluminum, you likely think of foil or disposable pans. This neurotoxin can lead to neurological problems like Alzheimer’s disease and other memory and cognition issues. You will face exposure to this toxin in your home or workplace. OSHA sets a legal exposure limit of 15 milligrams of total dust in an eight-hour shift. Individuals who work in the welding industry are more likely to face symptoms of aluminum poisoning. You will need to contact a heavy metal poisoning lawyer if you want to file a lawsuit.
Take Legal Steps After Toxic Exposure
There are multiple harmful chemicals you can come in contact with in your home or workplace. Some of these products lead to cancer, including mesothelioma and leukemia. Your workplace should want to protect you, but unfortunately, sometimes they do not follow proper protocols, especially when working with chemicals. You can file a lawsuit for symptoms associated with exposure to any of the toxins listed above. You deserve compensation, especially if you face a fatal disease like mesothelioma from asbestos poisoning. Contact a lawyer you can trust to take you through the process of filing a class-action lawsuit.
Author information: Rayanne Morriss is currently working towards her BA from Oregon State University. She loves to read, travel, and paint. She enjoys finding new coffee shops with friends and expanding her cooking skills.
