
Toxic chemical exposure can cause serious illnesses and injuries with varying degrees of severity. While not everyone exposed will experience adverse health effects, those who do may suffer significant impacts on their health, quality of life, and financial stability.
Exposure to toxic chemicals can happen at work and in the home, whether in cleaning products, consumer goods, or manufacturing environments.
Below, the Houston work accident lawyers at Williams Hart & Boundas discuss injuries you could suffer from toxic chemical exposure and your legal options.
Health Risks and Consequences From Toxic Chemical Exposure
Exposure to toxic substances can have severe and potentially life-altering consequences on your health. How much you are injured depends on factors such as:
- The specific chemicals involved
- The duration and amount of exposure
- Your age and overall health
These factors mean your harm can manifest in various illnesses and injuries. Toxic chemical exposure can occur by inhalation, ingestion, absorption through the skin, or injection.
Acute Toxic Chemical Poisoning
Immediate exposure to high concentrations of toxic chemicals can lead to acute poisoning, with symptoms including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory distress
- Dizziness and confusion
- Skin irritation and burns
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Long-term exposure to even low levels of certain toxic substances can have long-lasting and life-altering consequences, such as cancer, neurological damage, respiratory problems, reproductive issues, and developmental disorders.
If you or someone you know has suffered from illnesses or injuries due to exposure to toxic chemicals, seek legal guidance to see if you qualify for compensation.
Common Types of Injuries and Illnesses Following Toxic Chemical Exposure
Exposure to hazardous substances can have a significant and detrimental impact on human health, leading to a wide range of illnesses, injuries, and long-term complications. Some of the most common health effects associated with toxic chemical exposure include:
- Cancers: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, mesothelioma, leukemia, and kidney cancer are common types of cancers after toxic chemical exposure.
- Respiratory Issues: Individuals may experience lung cancer, lung damage, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or other lasting respiratory distress.
- Neurological Disorders: People have developed brain damage and
 nerve damage after exposure, as well as a higher risk of developing certain mental disorders such as ADHD or autism.
- Skin Issues: Rashes, burns, and other issues can arise after direct contact with toxic chemicals.
- Organ Damage: Toxic chemical exposure may cause damage to organs, including the lungs, liver, digestive system, and brain.
- Vision Loss: Complete or partial vision loss can occur if toxic chemicals enter the eyes.
- Reproductive Problems: Individuals may experience reproductive issues, such as infertility and birth defects.
The impact of toxic chemical exposure can extend far beyond the initial injury, turning into life-long disabilities and physical limitations. Even after physical recovery, individuals may experience psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you or a loved one has any of these issues or others after a toxic chemical exposure, you may qualify to receive compensation that covers your current medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, and other expenses associated with your injury.
Substances That Cause Toxic Chemical Exposure
At Williams Hart & Boundas, we have worked with many clients who have experienced injury after toxic chemical exposure.
Several substances are commonly implicated in occupational and environmental exposure injuries and illnesses. These include:
- Asbestos: Previously a widely used construction material, asbestos fibers are incredibly harmful when inhaled.
- Benzene: Found in gasoline, paint thinners, and industrial solvents, benzene is a known carcinogen.
- Ammonia: High concentrations of ammonia, a strong-smelling chemical used in some industrial processes and cleaning products, can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and even cause severe respiratory distress.
- Cadmium: Found in batteries, pigments, and some types of plating, exposure to cadmium can damage kidneys and lungs and increase the risk of certain cancers.
- Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless gas, carbon monoxide can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, leading to headaches, dizziness, and even workplace- fatality.
- Lead: A heavy metal with widespread industrial use, lead exposure can cause neurological damage, particularly in children, impact kidney function, and increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Pesticides: A broad category of toxic chemicals, exposure to pesticides can cause neurological damage, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of cancer.
- Welding Fumes: These fumes contain a complex mixture of particles such as metals, oxides, and other compounds, which can irritate the respiratory tract, increase the risk of lung cancer, and cause metal fume fever.
Regulations and Responsibilities for Toxic Chemicals
Federal and state governments have enacted a complex web of regulations to govern the handling of hazardous substances.
These regulations encompass various aspects, including:
- Disclosure: Requiring manufacturers, distributors, and other entities to provide clear and accurate information about the potential hazards associated with specific chemicals. This includes labeling requirements, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and other forms of communication that alert workers and consumers to potential risks.
- Storage: Strict guidelines must be followed regarding safely storing hazardous materials, including requirements for secure containment, proper ventilation, and segregation of incompatible substances to prevent accidental releases or chemical reactions.
- Disposal: Mandating safe and environmentally responsible methods for the disposal of hazardous waste, often involving specialized disposal facilities, proper waste segregation, and adherence to specific disposal protocols to minimize environmental contamination.
Beyond these regulatory frameworks, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products’ safety. Â
This responsibility extends to all product lifecycle stages, from design and development to manufacturing, distribution, and consumer use. Manufacturers must conduct thorough safety assessments, implement appropriate quality control measures, and provide clear and comprehensive instructions for their products’ safe use and disposal.
Employers Have a Duty to Keep Employees Safe
Employers are similarly legally bound to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides oversight to ensure employers follow strict guidelines regarding chemical hazards and toxic substances.
These include implementing measures to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, providing adequate safety training and protective equipment, and conducting regular safety inspections and audits.
Toxic Chemical Exposure Lawyers – Get Your Free Consultation Today
When manufacturers, employers, or other organizations fail to uphold safety standards and individuals suffer illnesses or injuries, a toxic chemical exposure lawyer can play a crucial role.
Consult with our experienced lawyers to get help investigating the incident, gathering evidence, identifying the responsible parties, and determining if you want to pursue legal action. They can help you file insurance claims or a lawsuit to recover financially for the medical expenses, missed paychecks, and other losses related to the exposure.
If you have been injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals, do not delay in seeking legal help. We offer free case consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you only need to pay if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or trial verdict.
At Williams Hart & Boundas, we treat every client with respect and are dedicated to handling your case with integrity, diligence, and resourcefulness. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.