Toxic Torts

Chemical Exposure: Illness and Injury

Formaldehyde Poisoning · Cancer · Asthma · Groundwater Contamination

The water we drink, the air we breathe, materials in the homes that shelter us - most of us have little control over environmental factors that are critical to our health and the health of our children. Instead, we rely on manufacturers and distributors to exercise responsibility when using dangerous chemicals in production and when disposing of hazardous waste. Unfortunately, economic interests outweigh safety issues in many corporate decisions. As a result some families drink poisonous water, breathe dangerously polluted air, and suffer severe reactions to formaldehyde given off by building products and furniture.

Through both individual and class action lawsuits regarding disease caused by chemical exposure, our lawyers have successfully recovered damages for clients. If you or someone you know appears to have suffered harm from exposure to formaldehyde, benzene, asbestos, lead particles, or other hazardous chemicals, we may be able to help. Contact our office to make arrangements for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Types of Cancer

Being exposed to substances such as certain chemicals, metals, or pesticides can increase the risk of some types of cancer. Any chemical that is known to cause cancer is called a carcinogen. Asbestos, nickel, cadmium, uranium, radon, vinyl chloride, benzidene, and benzene are examples of well-known carcinogens. Exposures to some chemicals in the environment, at home, and at work may contribute to an individual’s risk of developing cancer.

Toxic substances such as benzene, asbestos, vinyl chloride, and arsenic can increase the risk of cancer in those exposed to them. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified these substances as known human carcinogens because studies showed a link in humans between exposure to these substances and cancer. Environmental toxicants are classified by the National Toxicology Program as (a) known human carcinogens and (b) reasonably anticipated to be (suspected) human carcinogens to differentiate the level of evidence available to support the carcinogenicity of a probable toxicant. Carcinogens include a wide diversity of synthetic and naturally occurring substances, including hormones, immunosuppressants, organic and inorganic chemicals, and cytotoxins. Follow this link for a list of known and suspected human carcinogenic agents.

It can be difficult to demonstrate that asthma, asbestosis, mesothelioma, leukemia, or another cancer was caused by a specific chemical exposure. Lawyers at the firm have the experience, the access to technical experts, and the support staff to present such claims, and will work tirelessly to show causation and accurately calculate the life-long cost of injury due to the environmental hazard.

In the course of a recent case, where a young child's new bedroom furniture was causing illness, consumer class-action attorney David Slossberg of our firm said:

This furniture, which is manufactured in the Far East, is making children sick. Of all places, we expect our children to be safe in their own beds. We are going to make sure that P.J. Kids furniture can no longer place our children at risk.

Formaldehyde, used to manufacture building materials and some types of furniture, is particularly dangerous for young children who spend more time in contact with the surfaces. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, watery or burning eyes, stuffy nose, throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, skin rash, and severe allergic reactions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that toxic exposure to formaldehyde is a probable cause of cancer in humans. Other long-term effects include attention deficit, impaired memory, mood changes, and other neurological effects.

For more information about wrongful death and personal injury claims, we have provided the following resources:

• Frequently asked questions on personal injury and wrongful death
• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Newsletters