Chemical exposure includes many varieties of substances,
including biological agents, mineral dusts, nitrogen
compounds, metals, pesticides, plastics, rubber, solvents,
asphyxiates and sulfur compounds. Some of the more
dangerous chemicals a person can be exposed to are as
follows:
* Ethylene glycol ether: A solvent used in heavy industry
and during semiconductor chip manufacturing "clean rooms".
* Pentachlorophenol (PCP): First used as a domestic
pesticide, but use is now restricted as a preservative for
wood. It is a potential carcinogen and may cause birth
defects and respiratory complications.
* Chromated Copper Arsenate: Used for many of the same
purposes of PCP. It contains high amounts of arsenic that
is highly toxic to humans.
* Trichloroethylene: Used as a cleaning solvent. It is now
in many groundwater supplies and soil. It can be inhaled or
consumed with water, and may cause respiratory
complications, nervous system problems, organ failure and
death.
The most common ailments caused by some of the 400+
regulated hazardous substances include:
* Asthma - A respiratory disorder during which the chest
constricts and sufferers find it difficult to breath.
Asthma is often times caused by an allergic reaction.
* Pneumonitis - An inflammation of the lungs. Can be caused
by a virus or an allergic reaction to aspirated vomitus,
ingested gasoline or other petroleum distillates, ingested
or skin adsorbed pesticides, gasses from electroplating, or
other irritants. It manifests itself through fever, chills,
dry cough, and inability to breath, constricted airways,
and fatigue.
* Fibrosis - The unhealthy growth of scar tissue as a
reaction to a stimulus or catalyst (usually a hazardous
chemical). It is commonly located in the liver or lungs.
* Chronic Bronchitis - An obstructive pulmonary disease
which, to be considered chronic, must occur for over three
months to years in a row. Coughing and phlegm production
are common symptoms.
* Cancer - Many hazardous chemicals are carcinogens in
concentrated amounts, and can result in the uncontrolled
abnormal growth of cells.
* Neuropathy - Degeneration of the nerves resulting in
pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, and muscle weakness in
various parts of the body.
* Parkinson's syndrome - A central nervous system (CNS)
difficulty characterized by resting tremor, muscle rigidity
(including a mask-like face), slow motor movement, and a
stooped, shuffling gait.
* Methemoglobinemia (met-H) - Is caused by a higher than
normal occurrence of methemoglobin in the blood, it results
in a difficulty of oxygen transport in blood. Met-H is
commonly caused by an over-exposure to nitrates.
* Anemia - A deficiency of red blood cells; symptoms
include feeling tired, weak, and short of breath
* Dermatitis - Chronic inflammation causing swelling, pain,
redness, itching, and cracking of the skin.
* Chloracne - An eruption of blackheads, cysts, and
pustules, caused by the over-exposure to chlorine compounds
such as halogenic aromatic hydrocarbons.
* Burns - Resulting from topical contact with strong acids
or alkalies.
* Heavy metal poisoning - Examples are an over-exposure to
substances such as mercury, lead and cadmium. Can be caused
by elements that are either nephrotoxins (substances
harmful to the kidneys) or heptotoxins (substances harmful
to the liver).
* Birth Defects - Including hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida and
Anencephaly.
* Raynaud's Phenomenon - A disorder that affects the blood
vessels in the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. The disorder
is characterized by episodic attacks, called vasospastic
attacks that cause the blood vessels in the digits (fingers
and toes) to constrict (narrow) and cause feelings of
coolness and numbness. Raynaud's can occur on its own, or
it can be secondary to another condition such as
scleroderma or lupus.
It is overwhelmingly important to pay attention to the
physical manifestations of a potential overexposure to
hazardous chemicals. The irreversible damage caused by high
concentrations of particular substances can be life
threatening, and individuals should be well informed of the
risks.
----------------------------------------------------
For more information on this and other legal issues, visit,
http://www.LegalView.com . Here, users can find information
on topics ranging from mesothelioma lawsuits to all-terrain
vehicle (ATV) accidents. Additionally, find information on
TBI at http://brain-injury.legalview.com/ .
No comments:
Post a Comment