When we buy a home or go to work we should be able to have a reasonable right to assume that we are safe from toxic substances and environmental hazards, but all too often that is not the case. Most people are now aware of the dangers that come with exposure to minerals like asbestos and lead paint, silica and toxic mold, but all of these problems – among others – are still prevalent across the country and are still causing millions of people injury, illness, disease and death.
Asbestos, for instance, is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely mined in the 1800’s and used in over 5,000 known products in the U.S. It was also a huge component in many industrial factories because it is fire proof and does not conduct electricity. The problem is that asbestos, as it decomposes, can be inhaled into the lungs and once asbestos particles are lodged into lung tissue, you cannot get them out. This condition causes, among other conditions, asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural plaque and can be a major contributor to heart disease. Over nine million Americans were chronically exposed to asbestos and thousands of people are coming forward and lodging complaints and lawsuits over their injuries at the hands of many major companies.
Lead paint is another example of a hazardous material that is still prevalent today. Lead paint is particularly dangerous to children under six, who can absorb more lead into their system and blood stream than adults and have a tendency to pick and peeling paint and even ingest the sweetly tasting lead paint chips. Lead paint is still in many older homes, particularly in the New England area and as children are exposed to this toxic paint, they can start to exhibit symptoms of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning damages the nervous system; causes chemical based brain injuries, can provoke seizures, alter growth patterns, create hearing loss, and provoke both learning disabilities and behavioral issues. In very high levels of lead poisoning, the toxicity can completely overwhelm a child’s body causing coma, convulsions and even death.
Silica, the major contributor to silicosis is still present in many industries and industrial workers continue to develop silicosis, a disease or condition akin to asbestosis today. Silicosis or Grinder's disease is a dangerous form of pneumoconiosis that is by consistent exposure to and inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Patients suffer from scarring and inflammation of the lungs that ultimately leaves suffers disabled and suffering from many conditions caused by acute oxygen deprivation.
Finally, a problem that seems inconsequential that is that of mold in your home – specifically a pernicious form of mold known as toxic mold – that can cause a number of health problems if it is not properly removed and kept out of walls, ceilings, air ducts and roofs. Exposure to these specific toxic black molds, sometimes identified as, Stachybotrys chartarum, can create a variety of health problems ranging from those that are merely annoying, to those that can be life threatening. Mold exposure can merely irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and upper respiratory system while toxic molds can significantly irritate the skin, deplete immune system response and cause some serious nervous system issues.
If you have been affected by exposure to a toxic material or environmental hazard you should contact a personal injury attorney to see if you can rectify your current situation and ensure that your future is secure.