Oklahomans are potentially exposed to toxic chemicals and hazardous waste almost every day. The exposure to toxic chemicals and hazardous waste is so common that you may not realize the extent of the exposure.
There are many ways you can be exposed to toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.
- An exposure can occur when you drink water that has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or hazardous waste
- An exposure can occur if you swim or bathe in water that has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or hazardous waste
- An exposure can occur if you swallow, breathe or have contact with dirt that has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or hazardous waste
- An exposure can occur if you breathe in air or dust that has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or hazardous waste
- An exposure can occur if you eat food that has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or hazardous waste
- The most common form of exposure is breathing toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
There are many different toxic chemicals and incidents that can lead to an exposure. Common examples are:
- Asbestos - a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials such as brake linings
- Pesticides - a substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals
- PFAS – manufactured chemicals that are widely used to keep food from sticking to cookware and make clothes and carpets resistant to stains
- Arsenic – a solid chemical element that is used in wood preservatives, alloys, and semiconductors
- Mercury – a liquid metallic element that is primarily used for the manufacture of industrial chemicals or electronics
- Lead – a naturally occurring element that is used in products around your home, including paint
There are many products that people use every day that have a combination of toxic chemicals that can injure or kill.
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Roundup Weed Killer contains a substance called glyphosate. This substance has been linked to cancer. In May of 2019, a California jury awarded two plaintiffs $2 billion in damages based upon the failure to warn about the dangers of Roundup. Monsanto has claimed glyphosate is safer than table salt!
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Johnson & Johnson's baby powder has been shown to contain talc. Talc contains asbestos which is known to cause mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. There are many cases against J&J wherein the allegations that J&J knew its baby powder contained asbestos but failed to warn consumers.
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Many drugs contain chemicals that end up being harmful and causing unintended adverse effects. Zantac has been linked to cancer. Valsartan has been linked to liver, kidney, and stomach cancer. Jardiance and Farxiga can increase the risk of Fournier’s Gangrene. Pradaxa has been linked to severe bleeding.
The symptoms and injuries related to contact with toxic chemicals are broad. In many instances some of the less severe symptoms are tearing and burning in the eyes, nose, throat, chest, and skin. You may also suffer headaches, blurred vision, sweating, stomach aches and diarrhea. Serious effects include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, feeling faint and weakness. The worst effects include collapse, convulsions and death.
Exposure to toxic chemicals or hazardous waste is usually considered to be a personal injury case. Exposures can also be product liability cases that have very specific laws in place to establish liability. Exposure to toxic chemicals and hazardous waste may also be considered a premises liability case with specific laws in place to establish liability. If your exposure to toxic chemicals or hazardous waste occurred while you were working, then you may also be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.
The attorneys at Toon Law Firm have experience pursuing personal injury, wrongful death and premises liability cases that involve exposure to toxic chemicals and hazardous waste. Whether your exposure involves a product liability claim, a premises liability claim, or a workers’ compensation claim, we can investigate the facts and help determine the best courses of action. Please contact us at 918.477.7884.
