Every day people are exposed to hundreds of different chemicals. From household cleaners to the food we eat, chemicals are everywhere. Most of these chemicals are harmless. However, sometimes they can be toxic and dangerous. Toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances can cause significant harm to a person’s health when they enter the body.
Examples of Toxic Chemicals and Other Substances
The most commonly found toxic chemicals and dangerous substances include:
- Mercury
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Beryllium
- Creosote
- Hydrochloric acid
- Industrial alcohol
- Pesticides
- Carbon dioxide
Where Can Toxic Chemicals be Found?
Toxic chemicals and other substances can be found everywhere including:
- Home—some of the most common sources of toxic chemicals are the personal care and cleaning products we use every day. Defective products can sometimes be the source of chemical exposure. Sometimes even the building materials or the paint used in our homes can contain toxic chemicals.
- Work—from industrial plants and factories to office buildings, toxic chemicals can be found in various workplaces. Workers in factories may encounter toxic chemicals in the materials used in manufacturing, while office workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals in ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems.
- Outside—improper disposal of hazardous waste and accidental spills of toxic chemicals can result in dangerous substances dispersed in the air and drinking water.
What are the Effects of Toxic Chemicals?
In many cases, the effects of toxic chemicals on the body aren’t discovered until years after the exposure. Toxic chemicals and other dangerous substances are usually inhaled into the body, but they can also be ingested or absorbed directly by the skin. Some of the injuries that can result from exposure to toxic chemicals include:
- Neurological damage
- Eye damage
- Organ damage
- Cancer
- Damage to the reproductive system
- Skin damage or scarring
- Lung disease
Who May be Liable?
A number of different entities may be held liable for injuries caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and other dangerous substances including:
- Landlords
- Building owners
- Employers
- Contractors
- Suppliers
- Manufacturers of defective products
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals or other dangerous substances, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.