What Is Chemical Exposure in the Home?
Personal injuries can happen anywhere that you are. You do not even need to leave the home to be at risk of being hurt. The consumer products that you purchase and trust on a daily basis could endanger you. These products may contain deadly chemicals that are released into the air in your home, exposing you to the potential for injury, illness, and disease. If you have been injured by a consumer product that has harmed your environment, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
How Might You Be Exposed to Dangerous Chemicals at Home?
Government regulation has not been able to effectively protect consumers from dangerous products. Whatever regulations the government issues are now at risk due to a recent Supreme Court decision that may restrict the government’s ability to regulate. The result is that thousands of consumer products are potentially dangerous and can harm you in your own home.
Household and cleaning products are among the most dangerous that you can purchase. While you may need some of these in your home, they contain dangerous chemicals and solvents that may be released into the air. In some cases, these chemicals are known as volatile organic compounds.
What Are the Dangerous Household Products in Your Daily Life?
The following products are known to contain volatile organic compounds:
- Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty, and cleaning products
- Air fresheners
- Chlorine bleach
- Detergent and dishwashing liquid
- Dry cleaning chemicals
Dangerous chemicals are not just limited to cleaners. Even consumer products, such as shampoo, may contain some of these toxic chemicals. The Journal of Environmental Science & Technology released a study that found over 100 types of household products were found to have toxic chemicals that may potentially injure you. Theoretically, some of these chemicals should be targets for regulation, or manufacturers may design safer products without them. However, manufacturers make large profits from these recognizable products, and they do not want to change that.
You may not even know exactly what dangerous chemicals and substances are included in the products you buy. Federal regulations often do not require product manufacturers to list every single ingredient in a product. The same thing goes for products that are marketed to you as being “green.” Many of these products are nowhere near as safe as you are told. They may also contain some dangerous chemicals that can sicken you.
Where Can I Find Safer and More Natural Alternatives?
Experts, such as the American Lung Association, often recommend that you use soap and water as an alternative to certain cleaning products when you are able. The American Lung Association even publishes a list of recipes that you can use to make your own cleaning products as an alternative to the more dangerous ones. In the meantime, if you have to use consumer cleaning products that contain chemicals, make sure to keep the area well-ventilated so you are not breathing in the dangerous chemicals.
Can I File a Lawsuit if I Have Been Injured?
If you have been injured or sickened by a dangerous chemical, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. It does not matter that they are legally able to sell you the product. They must still stand by what they sell, and they can be held responsible in a product liability lawsuit if what they have sold you has injured you. It is possible to obtain financial compensation when you can prove that the product was defective. If you believe that you have been harmed by a consumer product that has released toxins into the environment, it is vital that you contact an attorney today.
Contact a Wilmington Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A.
A Wilmington environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can fight for you if you have been injured by chemicals to which you have been exposed. We help protect the rights of people who have been subjected to a dangerous environment by the actions of large companies. You can contact our attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation by using our online contact form or by calling us today at 302-656-5445. We have offices in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, and we serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
Does Water Contamination Increase in Warmer Months?
It may not be noticeable to you yet, but the water you drink and use to wash yourself may be more polluted now than it was during winter. Numerous factors result in poor water quality during the summer, which can put your health at risk. Some parties may be to blame for higher pollution in the summer to a certain extent.
Summer water contamination can be caused by toxins seeping into water wells or runoff into streams and rivers. Water, in general, is more susceptible to pollution at higher temperatures, so people are exposed to more dangerous particles.
Runoff Is Far Worse During the Summer Months
One of the major causes of water pollution is storm water runoff. Rain gathers pollutants on the ground and fertilizer from farms. The runoff makes its way into streams and the overall water supply. Since there are more storms in the summer, water pollution generally worsens. Sudden and violent rainstorms generally lead to more runoff that can threaten waterways.
In addition, summer is when more fertilizers and other agricultural products aid crop growth. As crops grow, the fertilizer washes off them when they suddenly get wet. This means more toxic substances run off into the water supply. At the same time, more people are driving on the road, so there is more slick oil on the roadways. Rainstorms also Sweep pollutants on the roads into the sewer system, ultimately polluting streams and rivers.
Summer months also mean higher electricity usage. Homeowners and tenants use their air conditioning more often, heightening the power demand. Utilities are some of the largest polluters of waterways. Higher emissions into the air ultimately taint the water supply.
Groundwater Can Also Be Contaminated During the Summer
Remember that many communities do not have access to water infrastructure, especially those located outside of cities. They are more vulnerable to water supply changes because they rely on groundwater. Just because water is in the ground does not mean it is immune from the effects of pollution.
The biology of water itself also makes it more likely to be polluted in the summer. Warmer weather leads to a more hospitable environment where toxins can take root in the water. Studies show water has the highest bacteria levels when the temperature outside is 90°F or higher. Harmful algae and other dangerous microbes can grow in the water when the temperature is warmer.
Further, higher amounts of sunlight increase photosynthesis. Plants convert sunlight into energy, absorbing nutrients from the soil around them. While this is happening, sunlight also causes the bottoms of lakes and rivers to mature much more quickly. This leads to more absorption, coating the bottom layer of a waterway with more muck. Ultimately, this harms the water supply because it has more toxic particles.
The problem is only going to get worse as climate change accelerates. These same factors are leading to more violent storms and higher temperatures in general. Consumers can expect a continued deterioration in their water supply during the summer months. People can anticipate suffering from more waterborne illnesses because of the pollution they bathe in and drink daily.
Contact a New Castle Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for Help Today
A New Castle environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you take legal action If you have suffered an illness or injury from contaminated water. You may be able to sue the polluter for financial compensation. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, and we serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
Can Methane Leak From Landfills?
Methane leaks are one of the largest sources of hazardous gases contributing to climate change. The methane that leaks from the 1,100 municipal landfills in this country is the equivalent of the methane emissions from 66 million passenger vehicles or 79 coal-fired power plants. You may be able to file a lawsuit if a methane leak from a landfill injures you or a loved one.
Garbage Does Not Decay Right After It Is Buried
Even when garbage is degradable foodstuffs, it may emit hazardous toxins that can make its way into the environment. Those who live in surrounding areas are vulnerable to illness and disease because they breathe in the toxins. Given that landfills are often located in areas near disadvantaged communities, minorities are far more susceptible and likely to develop illnesses from exposure to landfill toxins.
Decaying Foodstuffs Can Create Methane Gas
One of the main sources of methane from landfills is foodstuffs. Americans throw away a significant proportion of the food that they purchase. Up to 40 percent of American foodstuffs are discarded and sent to landfills. When the food is first buried in the landfill, it will not create much methane. The food may decompose within a year, where bacteria and methane may be produced.
Methane is produced from the breakdown of organic material. For example, cows produce methane through the digestion of their food. The food itself may also create methane when it degrades, and the food particles may create methane when fermenting.
Illnesses From Living Near Active Landfills
People living near a landfill may develop illnesses from inhaling toxic gas. They could suffer from the following conditions:
- Respiratory disease
- Seizures
- Liver illness
- Skin conditions
Although methane may not be carcinogenic, people living close to landfills may develop cancer from exposure to other toxic gases that emanate from the pit.
The Biden Administration has instituted new rules that require landfill owners and operators to estimate the emissions from their operations better. Now, the public can better understand the hazards emanating from certain landfills. However, there are not yet strong enough public rules to mitigate or eliminate many of the dangers associated with landfills.
You May Be Able to File a Lawsuit Against the Landfill Operator
If you or a loved one has been injured when living near a landfill, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the landfill operator. If it is a municipal landfill, you may be able to sue the city or local government. If a company operates the landfill, you can file a lawsuit against them. There are often class action lawsuits filed against landfill owners when people have been sickened in proximity to their properties. For example, numerous California residents have filed a mass tort lawsuit against the owners of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill after scores of people were sickened by gas and toxic emissions from the landfill.
Contact Our Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for More Information
If you need to take legal action against the owner of a landfill, our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, we can explore the possibility of an individual or a class action lawsuit. Call 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, and we work with clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
What Are the Different Types of Chemical Exposure?
There are numerous ways to become exposed to chemicals, either on the job or in daily life. You may be entitled to financial compensation if a third party is to blame for any chemical-related injuries. First, you should understand the various types of chemical exposure that could injure you.
Before you can seek financial compensation for chemical exposure, you need to understand exactly how and when you were exposed. It helps to know the different ways of chemical exposure so you can track down the source and take legal action.
There are three primary ways that you can become exposed to chemicals. These are also known as your basic exposure pathways. They are:
- Inhalation: You can breathe in dangerous chemicals through the air.
- Ingestion: You may ingest chemicals through something such as eating food or drinking water.
- Skin contact: Dangerous chemicals may touch your skin, become absorbed into your body, or cause burns.
Inhalation
Once you breathe in chemicals, they become internalized into your body. Often, they make their way into your bloodstream, where they pass to the rest of your body. Common chemicals that can be inhaled are vapors, fumes, mists, aerosols, and fine dust. If you are on the job, your employer should supply sufficient personal protective equipment to keep you from inhaling chemicals. If you are out in public, there may be little that you can do to avoid inhalation and becoming sickened.
Ingestion
Ingestion can occur directly or indirectly. You may consume a substance that contains dangerous chemicals, or you can accidentally eat or drink a chemical. Since chemicals are appropriately marked, you would rarely directly ingest one. However, chemicals can taint other substances that you eat or drink. A third party could be responsible for contaminating the water supply, which has recently happened with PFAS chemicals.
The effects of ingestion often take years to manifest themselves. For example, if you have been drinking tainted water because there is a chemical, the hazardous substance may build up in your body over several years before you are sickened. Thus, it could be difficult to trace the source of a chemical that you have ingested.
Skin Contact
Chemicals can contact any part of your body. While any type of contact is dangerous, certain body parts are more vulnerable than others. For example, if chemicals touch your eyes, they can cause permanent damage to your vision.
While you may not ordinarily have a reason to come into contact with these dangerous chemicals, you could do so because of an accident. In addition, your job may involve working with hazardous chemicals. Again, your employer would need to supply you with protective equipment. At the same time, you would also need to be vigilant about your hygiene to ensure that chemicals are not on your hands. Touching other parts of your body when hazardous chemicals are on your hands could cause numerous side effects.
In some cases, how and when you became exposed to toxic chemicals is very apparent. If someone else was negligent, you could file a lawsuit directly against them. In other cases, you may not begin to feel the effects of chemical exposure until years later. Then, you must investigate how and when you became exposed and who may have been responsible for it. An experienced environmental attorney can conduct this investigation on your behalf and file a lawsuit if necessary.
Contact a New Castle Environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for More Information
A New Castle environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can represent you if dangerous chemicals have injured you. If you can prove that your exposure was wrongful and resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. The first step is to call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, and we serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
What Are the Health Risks of Mold Exposure?
Mold exists everywhere in our environment, both indoors and outdoors. Certain amounts of mold are to be expected and are even beneficial, as mold plays a role in breaking down dead material. However, large amounts of mold can cause allergies and other health problems and, in some cases, even be toxic.
How Does Mold Grow and Spread?
Mold grows by producing tiny spores that travel through the air. A source of moisture is needed to do this, so damp and poorly ventilated environments are ideal for mold growth. Moisture can come from leaks in plumbing or a roof, humidifiers, a clothes dryer that vents to the inside, or flooding. Mold also thrives in spaces with inadequate ventilation or underground, such as basements and crawl spaces.
Who Is at Risk for Mold-Related Health Problems?
Anyone who lives or works in a building with a damp environment and poor ventilation has a higher risk of mold-related health problems. Mold-related health problems include allergies, asthma, bronchitis, rhinosinusitis, infections, and skin and mucous membrane irritation. Certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including the elderly, children and infants, people with compromised immune systems, and people with respiratory illnesses like lung disease, asthma, and allergies.
Some kinds of mold produce mycotoxins, and these toxins cause more serious illnesses.
Mold can grow in your living situation or workplace, hidden away in a crawlspace or under a damp roof. You may not immediately realize what is causing your health problems, but you have the right to a safe environment.
How Can Mold Be Eliminated?
Mold cannot live and spread without a source of moisture. Therefore, the moisture in the environment must be controlled to eliminate mold. In places where mold has already been growing, moldy items, such as carpet, ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, or wallboard, must be removed and replaced. If the mold started due to water damage or flooding, soaked upholstery or rugs that cannot be dried promptly must be removed and replaced.
Hard surfaces that can be cleaned, such as tile, stone, or metal, should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and treated with a commercial product or a bleach solution that contains no more than eight ounces of bleach per gallon of water. Afterward, fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioning are used to dry out the environment. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners because it creates toxic fumes that can be lethal.
When cleaning up mold, always wear non-porous gloves, protective eyewear, and open doors and windows to provide plenty of ventilation.
Preventing Mold Growth
To prevent mold from returning, take the following precautions:
- Fix any plumbing leaks and leaky roofs, windows, or walls.
- Use a dehumidifier to dry out damp areas.
- Provide good ventilation for areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Be sure to vent clothes dryers to the outside.
- Use mold-resistant paint.
Employers and landlords are responsible for providing an environment free of safety hazards. If you think you are suffering from a health condition related to a mold problem in your workplace or home, contact an experienced attorney immediately to determine your best legal action.
Our Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Recover Compensation for Those Suffering From Toxic Mold Exposure
Mold exposure in the home or workplace can be toxic and cause injury. If you think you may be suffering the effects of toxic mold exposure, call 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of the Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. With office locations in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we fight for clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Water Contamination?
With industrial activities and urban development posing threats to water quality, the need for legal intervention has never been more critical. Before delving into the role of environmental lawyers, it’s crucial to grasp the scope and implications of water contamination. From chemical spills to industrial runoff, pollutants can infiltrate water sources, endangering public health, harming aquatic ecosystems, and disrupting communities’ livelihoods. Recognizing the urgency of these threats, environmental lawyers are poised to take action and mitigate the adverse effects of water contamination.
Legal Guidance
Environmental lawyers bring knowledge and experience, enabling them to navigate the intricate web of environmental regulations, statutes, and case law. Having seasoned lawyers on board is indispensable in Delaware, where water contamination cases may involve complex federal, state, and local legal frameworks. These legal professionals can assess the legal implications of contamination incidents, identify liable parties, and formulate effective strategies to pursue justice for affected communities.
Advocacy and Representation
A cornerstone of environmental lawyering is advocacy and representation. Lawyers dedicated to environmental causes serve as staunch advocates for their clients, tirelessly championing their interests in negotiations, administrative proceedings, or courtrooms. In Delaware, where communities grapple with the fallout of water contamination, skilled lawyers can level the playing field against powerful corporations or government agencies. By amplifying their voices and holding polluters accountable, lawyers empower affected individuals and communities to seek redress for the harm caused by water contamination.
Litigation and Legal Action
When negotiations fail to yield satisfactory outcomes, environmental lawyers can pursue litigation to seek justice and compensation. In Delaware, where water contamination incidents may result in widespread harm and damages, legal action may be necessary to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether filing lawsuits for negligence, seeking injunctions to halt polluting activities, or pursuing class-action litigation on behalf of affected communities, environmental lawyers leverage the legal system to enforce environmental laws and protect public health.
Community Engagement and Education
Beyond their roles as legal advocates, environmental lawyers play a vital role in engaging and educating the community about water contamination issues. Through outreach programs, workshops, and educational initiatives, lawyers raise awareness about the causes and consequences of water pollution, empower individuals with knowledge about their rights, and mobilize community action to address environmental injustices. Lawyers foster collaboration, solidarity, and grassroots activism to effect positive change in Wilmington, where community resilience is paramount in combating water contamination.
Our Wilmington Environment Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Will Help You
If you or a loved one has been affected by water contamination, our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Together, we can hold polluters accountable, safeguard our water resources, and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Are PFOS and PFOA Chemicals?
PFOS and PFOA chemicals are environmental pollutants that can cause harm to the environment, humans, and animals. PFOS and PFOA chemicals are human-made and belong to a larger group of chemicals known as PFAS. They make products stain-resistant, stick-proof, grease-proof, and water-proof, and can be found in many products, including:
- Artificial turf
- Building and construction products
- Carpets, car seats, rugs, textiles, window treatments
- Firefighters’ personal protective equipment and firefighting foam
- Food packaging, like pizza boxes, food wrappers, and take-out containers
- Medical equipment and masks
- Personal care products like makeup and dental floss
- Water-proof and stain-proof clothes and outdoor gear
Since PFOS and PFOA have been widely distributed in many products, they also made their way into our air, soil, and groundwater. Known as “forever chemicals,” they are stable and persistent enough to last thousands of years.
Are PFOS and PFOA Chemicals Still Used in Manufacturing?
Even small doses of PFAS raise the risks for health problems like liver disease, immunosuppression, high cholesterol, and cancer. That is why a 2005 class action lawsuit led to new laws prohibiting using PFOA and PFOS in manufacturing. Still, both have contaminated water systems and other locations all over the planet.
Since these are forever chemicals, they can still be found in many locations and cause health problems. A common source of exposure is water – if the PFOA/PFO levels in your area are higher than they should be, experts recommend using water filters or switching to bottled water.
Other safety precautions include swapping out traditional cleaning products for organic ones and not using coated food packaging or non-stick cookware. If there are landfills or chemical processing facilities near your home or office, the likelihood of contamination is higher. Should you have concerns, contact your local public water authority or an experienced environmental lawyer for advice.
Water Contamination Lawsuits
PFOA and PFOS use are not regulated at the federal level in this country, but that could change. For now, there are state regulations, and the EPA is studying these chemicals and the dangers related to their exposure.
Holding responsible parties liable for injuries may be possible if you join a toxic tort lawsuit. Class action suits have been filed against PFOA and PFOS manufacturers and distributors, and there will likely be more after more research is completed.
Contact an Experienced Wilmington Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for a Free Consultation
If you are experiencing health issues from water contamination, a knowledgeable Wilmington environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, New Jersey, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Are the Effects of Oil and Gas on the Environment?
Oil and gas products are part of modern life. Even so, sourcing and producing them can harm the environment, animals, ecosystems, and humans. This is not only about drilling – creating the production infrastructure can also harm the surrounding areas. Below are just some of the effects of oil and gas on the environment.
Oil and Gas Production Infrastructures Harm the Environment
Oil and gas production infrastructures involve the construction of pipelines, buildings, and roads. These can degrade and destroy plant and animal habitats and impede the movements of migratory animals. The infrastructure can also disturb their ways of life, making it harder for them to find food and survive.
Oil Spills Damage Ecosystems
Large oil spills can cause permanent damage to ecosystems and kill wildlife. The 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico killed about 1 million seabirds and 5,000 marine mammals. Smaller oil and gas extraction spills can also be dangerous; spills of any size are common in the top-producing states.
Climate Change From Greenhouse Gases
This country is one of the top greenhouse gas producers on the planet – about 25 percent of that comes from fossil fuels. Extreme weather events like hurricanes are directly linked to fossil fuels. That is because those fuels release heat-trapping gases out into the atmosphere.
Oil and Gas Pollutes Communities
More than 12 million people in the U.S. are half a mile away or closer to oil and gas production facilities. This means that they are exposed to pollutants every day. That is in addition to the fossil fuels burned by industrial plants and motor vehicles, toxic substances can also leak into drinking water and soil, causing liver damage, birth defects, and cancer.
Natural gas production also causes air pollution in communities. Exposure to elevated levels can also cause cancer, along with cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.
What if Oil and Gas Production Has Made Me Sick?
If you or someone you love became ill because of oil and gas production pollution, an environmental toxic tort claim might be an option. Examples of harmful substances include benzyne, beryllium, and contaminated water.
Proving causation in toxic tort claims can be challenging because the defendants are often large, powerful companies. On top of that, it can be years before the illness produces symptoms. That is why working with an experienced lawyer is vital.
Before setting up a legal consultation, you may need a complete medical exam and diagnosis. The illness must be directly linked to the source of hazardous exposure. That involves gathering other relevant evidence to strengthen your case.
Our Wilmington Environment Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients in Toxic Tort Litigation
To learn about our legal services, contact our skilled Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Filing a Toxic Tort Claim for Silica Dust Exposure
Silica dust can become trapped inside lung sacs. It damages the linings, makes breathing difficult, and can lead to progressive massive fibrosis. Filing a toxic tort claim for silica dust exposure can result in compensation.
Toxic tort claims get filed when individuals or groups of people are exposed to hazardous substances, like toxic mold, fumes, or other hazardous materials, in workplaces and homes. It must be proven that their illness(es) are directly related to the exposure.
The word “tort” is a legal term for an action that causes someone injury or illness. The responsible party might be a company, entity, or an individual.
How Do I File a Toxic Tort Claim for Silica Dust Exposure?
Once you have been diagnosed with silicosis and provided with a treatment plan, keep your medical records and bills organized. The environmental hazard should be reported, as there are laws companies need to follow. When they fail to do so, they may be held accountable. An experienced environmental lawyer can help you report the problem to the appropriate authorities. Also, be sure to tell your employer if the illness or injury is from exposure at work.
Toxic tort claims are complex and challenging, especially when the defendant is a large corporation. This is why it makes sense to work with an attorney with experience representing clients seeking damages for silicosis. They can help estimate your financial and non-financial losses and work to seek the compensation you may be entitled to.
The steps include filing paperwork, gathering evidence, and speaking with insurance companies. You and your lawyer may work with expert witnesses who can provide testimony to support the claim. If the claim goes to court, your lawyer can represent you.
A Wilmington Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Can Bring Years of Experience to Your Toxic Tort Claim for Silicosis
Silicosis is a severe disease that can be work-related or be caused for other reasons. If you were diagnosed with it and want to explore your legal options, speak with a skilled Wilmington environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Are the Liability Risks for Plastic Pollution?
Plastic production across the globe continues to grow, and plastic-related pollution and litigation is an ongoing problem. It has been estimated that corporate liabilities will exceed $20 billion from 2022 to 2030.
Plastics have chemicals that can be non-biodegradable and harmful to people and the environment; the waste breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics that can be smaller than 5 millimeters.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of ingesting plastics. In addition, the UN Environment Programme shared information showing that additives in plastic can negatively impact animals’ hormonal systems and could lead to cancer, gene mutation, and lung inflammation in humans.
The Potential Liability Risks for Plastic Pollution
- Damage to the environment: Industry regulators can initiate claims focused on environmental liability that target the release of harmful substances, their use, or degradation into the environment. This includes impacts on public drinking water.
- Injury: This litigation can occur when parties suffer physical damage or loss from plastic pollution.
- Regulation violations: Companies that do not conform to the most current regulatory burdens are exposed to litigation risks. Regulatory agencies are constantly looking for businesses that are unresponsive to these laws.
How Can the Risk of Litigation Be Reduced?
Company representatives can mitigate their liability risks by becoming familiar with federal, state, and local regulations that apply to their businesses. It is also important to keep environmental issues on the radar and ensure that the company’s insurance provisions are up to date.
These companies can also prioritize the recycling and reuse of their products through plans for structured environmental reporting that zero in on issues. Some plastics companies are targeted for litigation, focusing on misleading behaviors related to their sustainability claims. So, the scale of potential exposures should be honestly disclosed and addressed if needed.
Contact a Wilmington Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for Trusted Legal Guidance
Attempting to address environmental law concerns without an experienced lawyer is ill-advised, especially when so much is at stake. Our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can explain your legal options and fight to protect your rights. To learn more about your potential case, complete our online form or call us at 302-656-5445 today. We are located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, and we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.