Toxic Chemical Exposure in the Construction Industry

Hazardous materials and toxic chemicals can cause serious harm to the body when absorbed. In the most traumatic situations, it can lead to death. In most cases, chemical exposure happens through inhalation, but the chemicals can also enter the body through the skin or by ingestion.

Injuries Possible from Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Being exposed to toxic chemicals can occur at work, in your home, or anywhere with environmental contamination. Several types of injuries can result from this type of exposure, including:

• Scarring and skin damage
• Brain damage
• Damage to the reproductive system
• Blindness, vision impairment, or other damage to the eyes
• Organ damage
• Death

Effects Immediate Upon Exposure

When exposed to toxic chemicals, many things can happen. Some of them include dizziness, headaches, nausea, rashes, trouble breathing and swallowing, neurological issues, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.

Illnesses Possible from Exposure

Some of the long and short-term illnesses that can result from exposure to toxic substances include:

• Silicosis
• Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Chemically induced asthma
• Lung disease
• Hodgkin’s disease

Common Forms of Chemical Exposure

Mercury is one of the most poisonous substances you can absorb or inhale into the body, which can cause permanent damage to your nervous system. One of the signs that you have mercury poisoning is loss of coordination and muscle control. Asbestos is another dangerous substance which comes in the form of dust particles. It is commonly found in workplace environments as it was once used as a material for insulation. The particles can lead to mesothelioma, which may take many years to develop within the human body. Another harmful substance is lead, especially for children. Lead exposure can lead to developmental disabilities, other neurological problems, and it can also be fatal.

There are many other chemicals which can be toxic found in a construction site environment. The experts at Barovick Law can help you determine what you should do if you have been exposed to any of them.