Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure can come from household cleaners or industrial solvents. Exposure to these chemicals is a risk in modern day society. Toxics substances can cause cancer or respiratory issues. The risks associated with chemical exposure can be both chronic and health issues related to this exposure may not be known until years later.

One such substance benzene, which is found in gasoline can cause serious health problems due to being a known carcinogen. The effect of repeated exposure to chemicals can heighten health risks over time.

Acute exposure to chemicals can result in immediate respiratory problems, skin irritation and neurological problems. Inhaling fumes from cleaning products for example can cause short-term respiratory issues but, excessive exposure can lead to asthma. Exposure to lead or mercury can lead to a decline in cognitive functioning and even organ damage. Chronic exposure can lead to reproductive issue, neurological disorders and even cancer over time.

Chemical exposure can also come from outside of working conditions such as environmental issues on a larger scale. Containments can affect soil and water supplies leading to exposure in communities large and small. The contamination of drinking water with polyfluoroalkyl substances has raised concerns recently affecting residents’ immune systems and leading to cancer in some instances.

Proving negligence against a company can be as complex as demonstrating safety protocols were not followed or inadequate warnings about risk of working with certain chemicals. An individual can expect to collect compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering and medical expenses as a result of a successful claim. There needs to be an urgency amongst companies to provide effective training for employees and stressing the need to follow regulatory stands when working with chemicals.