What Are the Effects of Toxic Chemical Exposure in the Workplace?

 Posted on July 17, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

There are certain types of occupations that pose potential risks to workers compared to other jobs. For instance, an office worker likely spends most of his or her time sitting at a desk on the computer. On the other hand, a construction worker is typically at a building site while a factory worker is in a warehouse. In some of these latter occupations, an employee may be exposed to toxic chemicals. Although most companies are required to adhere to safety regulations including providing proper protective gear and equipment, accidents can still occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 13 million Americans are exposed to chemicals at work that can be absorbed through the skin. Luckily, under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, employees are protected for injuries sustained at work, including pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by the job duties as well as work-related injuries that are sustained outside of the workplace.

Workplace Hazards

Construction zones and factories are known to have paint, concrete mix, wood dust, cleaning products, and other hazardous materials that workers come in contact with on a regular basis. Older homes or buildings also may have asbestos or lead paint. Typically, the lead in paint and the asbestos in ceiling or walls are not hazardous. However, when these structures are renovated, toxins can be released into the environment, posing a danger to residents or workers. Some of the more common toxic chemicals that might be present in a work environment include but are not limited to the following:

• Asbestos
• Ammonia
• Chloroform
• Lead
• Mercury
• Iodine
• Formaldehyde
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Uranium

Physical Consequences

Certain chemicals and fumes can cause serious bodily harm to workers if they are exposed. The duration and the amount of exposure may impact the severity of the injury, resulting in a variety of short- and long-term health conditions that can lead to life-threatening occupational diseases or specific types of cancer. Hazardous materials can be inhaled through the nose or mouth, or even through the skin. A few of the major physical ailments that can be caused by toxic substances include:

• Poisoning
• Skin rashes/burns
• Lung, kidney, and liver disease
• Mesothelioma cancer

Contact a Wheaton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Illinois employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in the event an employee suffers an injury on the job. Filing a workers comp claim can result in payments for medical bills and income loss. At the Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C., we have more than 20 years of experience in securing the appropriate compensation for victims of workplace injuries. To learn more and for assistance in filing a workers' comp claim, contact our qualified DuPage County workplace injury attorneys. Call us today at 630-665-5678 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/about/Pages/workers.aspx