Toxic exposure is more common in the workplace than most would like to think, especially if you work with chemicals or hazardous materials. The number of illnesses caused by skin contact with chemical is not known, but it is estimated that there are “60,000 deaths and 860,000 occupational illnesses per year in the U.S.”, and if skin exposure is even a small percentage of that statistic, there is an alarming number of individual members of the trades affected.
If injured at work, you may file an Edwardsville worker’s compensation claims instead. While this may eliminate your ability to file a chemical exposure lawsuit, it will allow you to receive compensation for the injuries you suffered at work as a direct result of your employer’s negligence and the exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Chemicals can be present in your local community, especially if there are operating plants or factories around your residence. Chemical exposures can be accidental or intentional, but the consequences are still the same – there is a significant health risk for members of the community. If you live near a factory of any type in southern Illinois, it is important to be aware of the risks. There are regulating bodies that are tasked with the job of monitoring and supervising the companies to ensure there are no errors that could put the community at risk.
Even present in the products that we use, food and drink, or cleaning products can cause chemical exposure. For instance, if a child accidentally ingests a cleaning product such as bleach, the immediate effects of chemical exposure can be deadly. Medical treatment would need to be administered right away. There are other types of exposure, too, such as chemicals in prescription drugs that can cause injuries, all of which can happen at home.
Unfortunately, chemical exposure is not uncommon because of the prevalence of chemicals in our environments, whether that be at work, in the community, or in our own homes. However, there are precautions that can be taken to ensure minimum exposure and risk.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, compiled a list of safety tips to reduce your risk. Learn more here.
