Exposure to toxic chemicals often leads to a wide range of illnesses and injuries—some serious, and some fatal. Not everyone exposed will get sick, of course, but when it happens, it can greatly affect the person’s health, quality of life, family finances and more. Let’s look at an overview of some serious injuries commonly associated with toxic chemical exposure.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder that occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of new blood cells. This condition may be caused by viral infections or autoimmune disorders, but it may also be triggered by exposure to toxic chemicals found in pesticides or gasoline (specifically, benzene).
Asbestosis
Another disease linked to asbestos exposure, asbestosis is a condition caused by scarring of the lung tissue and marked by symptoms like shortness of breath and persistent dry cough. This condition, too, typically doesn’t manifest for 10-40 years after exposure.
Asthma
A common lung condition characterized by constricted, inflamed airways causing shortness of breath, asthma can be triggered by many things (including genetics and allergies), but sometimes it’s caused by exposure to certain toxic elements in the workplace or by exposure to irritant chemicals (producing RADS-like symptoms).
Bronchiolitis Obliterans
This irreversible lung disease causes inflammation and obstruction of the lung’s smallest airways, resulting in shortness of breath, dry cough and wheezing. It can be caused by inhaling irritant chemical compounds, most commonly diacetyl, the butter flavoring in microwave popcorn—hence the disease’s common nickname, “popcorn lung.”
Cancer
Cancer occurs in many varieties, and some are easier to attribute to specific substances than others. Yet, with more than 130 known cancer-causing substances present in our workplaces, it comes as little surprise that cancer is one of the most common outcomes of toxic chemical exposure.
Hodgkin’s Disease
Hodgkin’s disease (also known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma) is a rare form of cancer that may occur for genetic reasons or from exposure to certain pesticides.
Leukemia
Long term exposure to benzene is a risk factor for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Benzene is a solvent used in the rubber industry, oil refineries, chemical plants, shoe manufacturing, and gasoline-related industries, and is also found in cigarette smoke, gasoline and motor vehicle exhaust, and some glues, cleaning products, detergents, art supplies, and paints.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare, deadly form of cancer linked almost exclusively to asbestos exposure, usually occurring 10-40 years after the fact. Learn more about this disease here.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease that causes tremors and motor issues, and sometimes dementia. Natural causes of the disease are not fully understood, but studies have shown that exposure to two solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC), can greatly increase the risk.
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
RADS is a condition characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath. It is generally triggered by a single exposure to high concentration of an irritant gas, aerosol or fumes (e.g., smoke, chlorine, ammonia, sulphur dioxide), RADS is known for harmful or fatal symptoms at worst, and long-term damage at best.
Silicosis
Silicosis is fibrosis of the lungs brought on by exposure to silica dust, often found in mines, foundries or glass manufacturing plants.
Call the Madeksho Law Firm
The Madeksho Law Firm has nearly five decades of experience helping obtain needed compensation for victims of these and other illnesses related to toxic exposure. For a FREE consultation, call 1-888-910-6376, or contact us here. There is never a fee unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
