JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

While there are millions of workers in the United States that may go their entire career without being exposed to a toxic chemical, there are still millions more that are. Exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxins in the workplace can lead to long-term health issues. As Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys, we feel it important to share the common types of toxic materials that are present in the workplace in order to help keep workers safe.

• Solid and Dust Toxins – While most toxins are not dangerous in their solid form, when solids are pulverized or reduced to dust, the dust particles can cause a threat to health.
• Liquid Toxins – Toxins in a liquid form are typically the most dangerous at room temperature. Liquid toxins could burn or permeate the skin or evaporate, giving off dangerous vapors.
• Gaseous Toxins – Spanning a wide range of dangers, gas toxins consist of chemical molecules released into the air at normal temperature and pressure. Gasses like carbon monoxide do not emit any odor or color and can be deadly. Other gases can irritate the respiratory system and skin.
• Vapor and Fume Toxins – Most organic solvents evaporate and produce vapors. When exposed, toxic vapors can irritate the eyes, skin and the lungs and respiratory tract. Similarly, fumes consist of small fine solid particles in the air where solid chemicals (typically medals) are heated to high temperatures, evaporate into vapors and reform as solids.
• Fibrous Toxins – Fibers are defined as a solid particle that is at least three times its width. Smaller fibers can get lodge into the lungs while larger fibers can get caught in the respiratory tract, both causing serious harm.
• Mist Toxins – Mists contain liquid particles of all sizes and can be hazardous when in contact with the skin or when inhaled.

If you or someone you love has experienced a workplace chemical exposure in Philadelphia, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To learn more about your rights and next steps in the benefits acquisition process, call us today at 888-807-WORK (9675) for a free consultation.