Health Risks from Hazardous Chemical Exposure
Exposure to hazardous chemicals on the job can have serious, negative impacts on your health. The guide below covers some chemicals that can have deadly cancerous side effects, even with short–term exposure.
Hexavalent Chromium
Hexavalent chromium has been used in a number of manufacturing processes for items like stainless steel, wood preservation, leather tanning and as a component of anti–corrosion agents. A known carcinogen, hexavalent chromium has been linked to lung cancer in National Guard troops stationed in Iraq.
Agent Orange
Agent Orange is a chemical herbicide that was used in the Vietnam War to clear vegetation. The health side effects of Agent Orange occur from exposure to dioxin that contaminated the compound. Learn more about the current state of claims and lawsuits for Agent Orange diseases.
Benzene
Benzene is listed as a known carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services. Long term exposure to Benzene may cause leukemia. Benzene has widespread use as an ingredient in manufacturing other chemicals, plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers. It is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
MTBE
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether or MTBE, a gasoline additive, has been linked to cancer, kidney, reproductive and nervous system problems in laboratory animals. The EPA lists MTBE as a possible human carcinogen. Because of leakage from underground gasoline storage tanks, MTBE exposure can occur through contaminated water. Learn more about the effects of MTBE exposure.
Chemicals in the Workplace
Your employer must let you know if you are working with any hazardous chemicals and provide related safety training. You may ask to see the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for these products. An MSDS describes the chemical composition and health hazards of a product and explains how to take proper safety precautions.
The best way for your employer to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals is to substitute safer ones. This does not usually happen. Therefore, employers are generally required to install proper ventilation, hoods, and modify work procedures. You may also be supplied with respiratory protection, face shields, special clothing and gloves.
To help protect employees, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets maximum allowed exposure limits for most harmful chemicals used in the workplace.
Chemical Hazards and You
If you have suffered injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals, please contact us to discuss your potential legal case. We have been successfully handling medical/legal litigation for over 24 years and are very knowledgeable in this field. We will review your case free of charge, answer your questions and advise you about your legal choices.