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this pageIllnesses Caused by Toxic Substances and Unsafe Medical Drugs
Harmful chemicals, known as toxic substances, are becoming more and more of a problem in our homes and workplaces. A recent study traced the U.S. population’s exposure to 116 chemicals that may cause serious illnesses or even cancer (Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Survey, 1999–2000). The exposure rate was alarming.
The effects of toxic substances are not always immediately apparent. Many diseases that are closely linked to exposure to toxic substances take decades to develop. At Brayton Purcell, we have worked extensively with clients who contracted diseases related to exposure to asbestos, beryllium, and tobacco. Many of our clients had been heavily exposed to these substances 30 or 40 years ago, yet were first developing symptoms. Sometimes, they did not realize the connection between their exposure and their health problems until it was discovered by an alert physician.
If you have been diagnosed with any of the diseases discussed below, you should consider your past toxic exposure history. This would include exposure on the job as well as at home. You will also need to recall whether you were exposed to these substances through a secondhand source, such as washing or handling the tainted clothes of a family member who worked with a toxic substance. Sometimes this recall process can be tricky. For example, you may have been exposed to asbestos through doing extensive automotive or home repairs, activities that you probably would not normally associate with any dangers. Asking and answering the appropriate questions is important. An attorney who is experienced with toxic substance cases will know what questions to ask to help you ferret out your toxic exposure history and pursue your legal options.
Some Diseases Caused by Toxic Substances
Asbestosis and Mesothelioma: Asbestosis is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is a debilitating disease that results in reduced lung capacity and restricted breathing. Asbestosis progresses slowly by scarring and inflaming lung tissue. The disease can be treated, but not cured.
Asbestosis victims have a high risk of developing lung cancer or even mesothelioma, which is a fatal form of cancer. Mesothelioma affects specialized cells that line the membranes surrounding the chest and abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma causes severe respiratory problems.
Lung Cancer: Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer is the United States. Asbestos exposure is among other major causes.
The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer, in which the cancer cells are small and round (almost 20% of lung cancers), and non–small cell lung cancer, in which the cancer cells are larger (almost 80% of lung cancers). Small cell lung cancer tends to spread more rapidly throughout the body than other types of lung cancer. For a discussion of how lung cancer progresses, and its treatment and diagnosis, see Lung Cancer.
Chronic Beryllium Disease or Berylliosis: Chronic beryllium disease or berylliosis is always caused by beryllium exposure. It is a painful scarring of the lung tissue that results in fatigue and shortness of breath. Physicians may prescribe steroids to reduce the pain, but chronic beryllium disease is not curable.
Health Problems Due to Toxic Mold
Another often–overlooked toxic substance is mold. People may be injured through exposure to toxic mold, which may be found in poorly built or maintained homes, apartments, or buildings. Toxic mold health problems include respiratory illness, emotional distress, nausea, and in some cases, even brain injuries.
Medical Drugs
Unfortunately, some prescription and over–the–counter drugs that we knowingly take to cure us of our ailments can be as dangerous as various toxic substances. This can be quite a shock, as certain drug manufacturers have failed to warned consumers and physicians of the serious health problems associated with the use of their products. For a discussion and list of common prescription or over–the–counter medical drugs associated with health problems, see Injuries from Medical Drugs.
Getting Legal Help
We have represented many clients who had serious medical conditions due to exposure to toxic substances or to taking unsafe medical drugs. Our legal team has extensive medical, legal and technical background, and we fight hard for our clients’ rights against large companies and drug manufacturers. If you have been injured through exposure to a toxic substance or an unsafe medical drug, please feel free to contact us to learn about your legal rights.