How Can Environmental Damage Result in a Lawsuit?
Environmental regulations and laws are in place to protect the people, animals, and the planet. Environmental litigation is essential to hold people and organizations who pollute the environment accountable and also to dissuade others from contaminating water, air, and wildlife.
There are a few key laws that govern environmental policies in the United States:
- The Clean Air Act: The Clean Air Act empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air quality standards for air pollutants like lead, carbon dioxide, and ozone that are harmful to our health.
- The Clean Water Act: Among other regulations, the Clean Water Act (CWA) makes it unlawful to disperse a pollutant from a point source into large water sources without a permit.
- The Endangered Species Act: Passed in 1973, this law protects animals and the habitats they live in from becoming threatened or endangered.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Act: The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires employers to provide a safe workplace for all employees and inform them of potential exposure to chemicals or toxins.
- The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act: This law, passed in 1980, regulates the management of emergency cleanup of accidents, spills, and hazardous waste sites.
What Is Toxic Exposure?
Environmental lawsuits often involve allegations of toxic exposure and harm. Exposure to toxic, harmful substances through inhalation or skin contact can be hazardous to human life and the soil, air, and water.
The most common types of toxic exposure include:
- Asbestos: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in many building material and other products. If asbestos particles are inhaled or ingested, they can cause cancer and other health problems.
- Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas made when fuel burns. CO fumes are toxic and breathing them in can be life-threatening. Unvented heaters are the most common source of CO poisoning.
- Lead: Lead is another substance that is naturally-occurring in the earth. Until the 1970s, lead was widely used in paints and is still permitted in small amounts today. Cumulative exposure to lead over time can lead to serious health problems, especially in young children.
- Oil: Oil is a mixture of various hazardous chemical compounds that cause cancer and other illnesses when inhaled; it can harm people and wildlife. Oil spills are devastating for the ecosystem. They pollute the water and release toxic fumes that permeate the air.
Who Can File an Environmental Lawsuit?
Anyone who experiences bodily harm due to environmental damage has a right to bring a civil environmental claim against the at-fault party. They can sue the entity for violating an environmental law and possibly recover damages for any losses incurred as a result of that violation.
What Is a Class Action Environmental Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a claim brought by a group of people who are in the same situation. In the context of environmental law, for example, the residents of a subdivision might file a class action lawsuit against a developer who built their homes on toxic soil without remediating the site or disclosing the risk of toxic exposure.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients Facing Complex Environmental Law Matters
If you need help with an environmental lawsuit, one of our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can assist. 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.
Lead Detected in Drinking Water in Delaware Schools
Lead found in the water of almost 50 schools in Delaware caused state officials to shut off the water supply in at least one of them. The Delaware Division of Public Health in early October advised school officials at Wallace Wallin School in New Castle to shut off the school’s water supply due to elevated levels of lead. School officials complied prior to the start of the 2022 school year and are using bottled water.
The state detected up to 12 times the accepted level of lead when testing the water in a break room for Wallace Wallin School staff. Wallace Wallin is just one of 47 schools in Delaware whose water supply contains lead.
Delaware Public Health officials say some of the lead-tainted waters found were for uses other than drinking.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that no amount of lead is safe because even very low levels could cause harm, especially to young children. The Delaware Department of Public Health is continuing to test and monitor the lead in the water.
Why Is Lead Dangerous?
Accumulation of lead could lead to poisoning. Lead poisoning could cause several health complications, including:
- Growth disorders.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- Pregnancy complications.
- Mood swings.
Small children are especially vulnerable and might suffer from stunted growth or physical development. Damage to the kidneys or nervous system is possible.
Lead poisoning might make you feel nauseous and experience abdominal pain. It also could cause constipation, weight loss, or a loss of appetite. Lead poisoning could lead to mood changes as well.
Pregnant women might give birth to infants that have a lower birth weight or other complications, including miscarriage.
Adults could suffer from hypertension, high blood pressure, or headaches. Joint and muscle pain are among the many potential health complications.
Common Sources of Lead Contamination
Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic. When found in public water supplies, older lead pipes are often the culprit of the water contamination.
A well-known example is the lead contamination in the Flint, Michigan water supply. The contamination occurred after Flint officials switched the city’s water source, which eroded a protective layer of lime buildup within the city’s water pipes. This resulted in unsafe levels of lead in the city’s water supply that continues to be a problem several years after its discovery.
In Delaware, public health officials have not identified any sources of lead contamination at the 47 afflicted schools. Testing might help identify the causes.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Can Help if You Have Been Harmed by Water Contamination
If you believe you have an illness from contaminated water, find out your legal options today. Speak with one of our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for legal assistance. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Causing Health Problems
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base camp in North Carolina that has been in use since the 1940s. In the early 1980s, due to water contamination, potentially hazardous chemicals were detected in two water treatments plants that provided water for the base.
These water contaminants are linked to serious health problems, including several types of cancer. Individuals who lived and/or worked in or near Camp Lejeune from the 1950s to the late 1980s may have been exposed to these chemicals and have or be at risk of developing these conditions.
Traces of four chemicals were detected in drinking water sources at Camp Lejeune.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless liquid, flammable liquid that has a slight sweet odor. Benzene occurs naturally in forest fires, volcanoes, and other areas of eruption. It is also created as a byproduct of human activity.
Benzene is used in a wide range of products and materials, including dyes, detergents, glues, lubricants, resins, and plastics. Initial exposure to benzene can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches. Prolonged exposure is linked to anemia and leukemia.
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC) is a nonflammable, colorless liquid primarily used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing. It is also used as a “building block” material to create other chemicals. PCE can be released into the air and water where it is produced, exposing those who live and work near these sites to its harmful effects.
In high concentrations, exposure to PCE can cause confusion, nausea, headaches, unconsciousness, and even death. Long-term exposure to PERC is linked to renal disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is also a nonflammable and colorless liquid at room temperature. While it gives off an ether-like odor in high amounts, there is no odor at lower levels. TCE is used to degrease metal parts during the manufacturing process of different products. It is also added to paint removers, wood varnishes, adhesives, and stain removers.
TCE that has spilled or been dumped can seep down into the soil and water supply. There is sufficient evidence to suggest long-term exposure to TCE can lead to leukemia, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, and Parkinson’s disease.
Other health problems that may be linked to TCE and/or PCE include:
- Breast cancer.
- Cervical cancer.
- Impaired immune system.
- Low birth weight.
- Lung cancer.
- Miscarriage.
- Neurological deficits.
- Ovarian cancer.
Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride (VC) is a colorless gas that becomes liquid under high pressure or in low temperatures. It does not occur naturally and is formed when other chemicals like TCE and PCE break down. VC is most commonly used to make PVC a, material used in pipes, wires, and other plastic products. At this time, research supports a link between exposure to VC and liver cancer.
Every individual’s reaction to exposure to these and other substances is different. Your prognosis depends in part on your overall health, the method, frequency, and length of exposure, and your lifestyle habits, such as drinking or smoking. Contact your health care provider about your symptoms or concerns.
I Developed a Serious Health Condition and Worked at Camp Lejeune. Can I Sue for Medical Bills?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or other complications and believe it may be linked to the contamination at Camp Lejeune, legal action may help you recover your medical expenses and other losses. Congress also passed a bill in August 2022 to provide additional benefits for veterans affected by toxic exposure. Contact an environmental lawyer to discuss your case.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Clients Harmed by Toxic Exposure at Camp Lejeune
If you are dealing with a serious health condition caused by contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, one of our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. We have offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware and assist clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Are Public Drinking Fountains Safe?
Most people do not think twice about water safety when they drink from a drinking fountain. Almost all public water fountains that are found in public buildings, schools, and parks get their water from the public water service. Whatever treatment, screening, and testing process is done at the water plant is usually the only type of screening the water goes through before you consume it. In most instances, the water is safe. However, there have been cases where the water being pumped out to the public has been contaminated.
Drinking contaminated water can cause health problems ranging from skin rashes to cancer. The severity of the illness depends on many factors, including what chemical or bacteria and what amount got into the water. Also, the length of time you were exposed to the contaminated water could dictate how sick you become.
Sources of Drinking Fountain Contamination
Since most drinking fountain water comes from a publicly-owned, government water processing plant, the contamination usually happens before it gets to the plant. For whatever reason, the plant does not test and treat the water to remove that particular chemical or substance. Groundwater can be contaminated by many sources:
- coli which is found in human and animal fecal waste.
- Water additives such as fluoride and chlorine.
- Erosion of natural deposits such as mercury, lead, and asbestos.
- Organic chemicals often found in run off from herbicides or pesticides used on crops or discharged from chemical, agricultural, and other industrial factories.
- Inorganic chemicals discharged from refineries and factories such as nitrate, arsenic, and cyanide.
What Are Physical Symptoms From Drinking Contaminated Water?
Sometimes, it may take years to realize that you are drinking contaminated water. However, with some types of exposures, there are certain physical symptoms that you may notice. Some symptoms you may experience from drinking contaminated water include:
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Intestinal or stomach cramping.
- Intestinal or stomach aches and pains.
- Dehydration.
Medical Conditions Caused by Contaminated Water
There are many medical conditions that can be caused by drinking contaminated water, such as:
- Gastrointestinal illness.
- Legionnaires’ disease.
- Increased risk of cancer.
- Anemia.
- Shortness of breath.
- Increased blood pressure or blood cholesterol.
- Bone disease.
- Nerve damage.
- Liver, kidney, spleen, thyroid, or adrenal gland problems.
- Dermatitis.
- Eye or nose irritation.
- Hair or fingernail loss.
- Intestinal lesions or polyps.
- Reproductive problems.
- Nervous system, cardiovascular, circulatory, or central nervous system problems.
There are local, state, and federal laws that protect public water sources. The Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act are federal laws that set regulations and standards that control how wastewater, chemicals, and other dangerous substances are disposed of all in protection of ground water and navigable waterways.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Are Here to Fight for Your Rights if You Are Sick Because of Water Contamination
If you believe you are experiencing health problems due to drinking contaminated water, speak to one of our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
EPA Proposes to Label PFOA and PFOS Chemicals as Hazardous Substances
Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it wants PFOA and PFOS, compounds of PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” to be classified as hazardous substances. There are thousands of forever chemicals found in common household items and products today.
Under Superfund regulations, the EPA proposes to include PFAS as hazardous chemicals. PFAS are dangerous to the environment and has been linked to many health problems. Exposure to PFAS are connected to breathing problems, heart issues, cancer, immune system problems, and other adverse health conditions. If the EPA’s proposal is made official, then a minimal amount of chemical release of PFAS would need to be reported to the government. In 2016, federal PFAS guidelines were set at 70 parts per trillion. With the new proposal, the guidelines for reporting will be near zero.
PFAS are found in countless products, such as water-repellent sports gear, frying pans, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, food containers, and stain-resistance rugs. Both PFOS and PFOA are colorless and odorless and can only be detected by specialized testing procedures. PFAS are resistant to decomposition and remain in the environment for very long periods of time.
PFOA and PFOS Harmful Health Effects
A study by the CDC estimates that PFAS can be detected in almost 98 percent of the U.S. population. PFOA and PFOS can be found in the air, drinking water, food products, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to the following health problems:
- Thyroid disorders.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Liver disease.
- Kidney and testicular cancer.
- Fetal development problems.
- High cholesterol.
- Low infant birth weight and other birth issues.
- Heart disease.
- Immunodeficiency.
- Cognitive and development issues in children.
Although PFAS have been around for years and can be found in almost everything, very little is known about which PFAS are the most dangerous.
Over the past 10 years, many manufacturers voluntarily stopped using PFOS and PFOA chemicals in their products, with certain PFAS being phased out in 2016 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2020, food manufacturers and the FDA agreed to phase out PFAS from food packaging and products that came into contact with food. However, as the FDA monitored the PFAS releasing into the environment, it revealed that the dangerous chemicals still lingered. Further testing found that about 74 percent of imported products still contained old PFAS.
Experts agree that the EPA regulations are merely a small step in a long fight ahead. With the Superfund regulations, this could give manufacturers the ability to begin cleanup procedures of these chemicals. However, because these chemicals are so difficult to decompose, there is no absolute safe way to dispose of them. Either way, the EPA’s new proposal will help hold polluters responsible for contamination should the final ruling pass in 2023.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Who Have Fallen Ill From Hazardous Substances
If you have an illness from hazardous substances, contact one of our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We are located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, and we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What is Toxic Mold?
Toxic mold is a dangerous type of mold that can cause illness or even death. Hundreds of types of mold can become toxic, and are commonly are called “black mold.” The dark black color of black mold is what visually distinguishes it from mildew.
Mold exposure commonly occurs on a virtually daily basis. You might inhale minor bits of mold while opening your refrigerator, entering a basement, or while engaged in other common activities.
Most people are not vulnerable to mold exposure, but toxic mold could trigger serious illness or death in someone who is vulnerable to respiratory disease or illness. Someone who has pneumonia, asthma, or other common respiratory problems could find any type of mold exposure to be harmful.
Toxic mold exposure often is cited as a cause of asthma or other respiratory afflictions that could cause breathing problems. Removing the source of mold exposure and medical treatment often enable anyone suffering from toxic mold exposure to recover fully.
Where Toxic Mold Might Linger?
Mold could linger in many places inside your home or place of work. Virtually all of the places are dark and damp. You might find toxic mold in an air conditioning unit, a bathroom, or a laundry room.
If your home suffered a recent flooding event, mold might grow in places that usually are dark and that hold moisture longer. Wet carpeting in a basement, wet insulation, and moist ceiling tiles are just some of the many areas where toxic mold might grow.
Your HVAC system might have toxic mold inside it that aggravates your lungs when the air conditioning runs. Fortunately, the heating system does a better job of drying out moist areas, but it can still linger and pose a possible health hazard.
Potential Liability for Toxic Mold
Property owners generally are liable for ensuring their homes, places of business, or any rental units are in a reasonably safe condition. The existence of toxic mold creates a potentially hazardous condition that might affect one or more people.
A landlord or property owner should take reasonable steps to mitigate any mold contamination that might occur. Replacing damaged ceiling tiles, floor coverings, or other places where toxic mold has taken hold is a good way to reasonably mitigate the problem.
Regular maintenance of air conditioning units, plumbing systems, and other sources of moisture and potential toxic mold contamination also could help to protect you against the potential health hazard.
How to Show Toxic Mold Caused Harm?
If your home or place of work knowingly or unknowingly houses toxic mold, it can you to suffer a serious respiratory illness. A medical diagnosis from a specialist could help to show that you are suffering from an illness that is commonly associated with mold exposure.
You would need to show the likely source of the toxic mold exposure to initiate a claim for damages. A known flooding event, leaking plumbing, or similar sources of moisture indoors could help to build a strong case against an offending property owner.
An experienced environmental lawyer could help you to build a strong case against liable parties and hold them responsible for the harm that you suffered.
A Wilmington Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar Helps to Hold Negligent Property Owners Accountable
If you or a family member is suffering from toxic mold exposure, an experienced Wilmington environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., can help to build a strong case against liable parties. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our law offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware. We represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, Sussex County, and throughout Delaware.
How Contaminated Is US Tap Water?
Millions of Americans may be shocked to know that the water they are drinking is not very safe, according to a two-year-long analysis conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). In this study, the EWG had detected over 320 contaminants in the nation’s drinking water systems, meaning there is contaminated water. These toxins, many of which are not regulated by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), are linked to adverse health effects such as cancer or neurological disorders.
The EWG analyzed over 50,000 water systems spread out across the country, creating the Tap Water Database. With this database, users can enter their ZIP code to see their local water’s report, complete with what type and the amount of chemicals found in their drinking water. Furthermore, the database offers users to view what kind of health effects they are in danger of with the toxins they are exposed to.
What Types of Contaminants are in Tap Water?
Over the course of two years, the EWG database looked for over 500 different contaminants in the nation’s water systems and found over 300. These contaminants included:
- Arsenic
- Copper
- Lead
- 1,4-dioxane
- Benzene
- Uranium
Most of the contaminants found are called “forever chemicals”, referring to the seemingly endless lifecycle of certain chemical compounds that can take thousands of years to break down. There are more than 600 PFAS compounds used in many everyday products like cookware or cosmetics, out of more than the known 9,000 PFASs. Scientifically known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), they can cause a myriad of health problems over long term exposure.
Why is Tap Water Contaminated?
According to the EWG, there are several reasons explaining why there are so many contaminants in U.S. water systems. The use and disposal of PFAs over several decades mean they can now be found in virtually everything: our air, water, even our own bodies. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that they have found PFAs in every blood stream when they have tested for them.
The PFAs found in our drinking water and our bodies are potentially dangerous and are linked to many diseases, such as:
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Immune disorders
- Kidney cancer
- Liver damage
- Preeclampsia
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Many of today’s drinking water come from sources that are outdated. There are many local communities using lead pipes today, even when their local water supplies are modernized and filtered. There is also the problem with nearby factories producing waste that finds its way into our streams and underground water systems, contaminating the water coming out of the reservoirs.
The EPA and the Safe Drinking Water Act
In 1974, the federal government issued the Safe Drinking Water Act for the EPA to monitor the nation’s tap water. With this law, the EPA had researched and confirmed the legal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for our drinking water to be at 90 contaminants, which is far from safe and has not changed for almost 50 years. In fact, there have been no new contaminants added to the EPA’s watch list since 2000.
According to the EWG’s report, the EPA is drastically behind in keeping up with the new contaminants and microplastics, and change is needed immediately. However, even with limited EPA regulations imposed, there are far less resources to penalize the public systems, as well the lack of funding to even update the infrastructure.
The Wilmington Chemical Exposure Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Families with Unsafe Tap Water
If you suspect that your family is drinking unsafe tap water, then you must contact our Wilmington chemical exposure lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. immediately. Our skilled and experienced team has years of experience with cases of this type and will help you receive compensation. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve all communities of Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Silica Exposure in Homes
While the detrimental effects of second-hand smoke and asbestos exposure have been known to consumers for decades, there are many other substances Americans encounter and may breathe in that they may not know are also dangerous. Silica dust, however, is one of those substances that is simply not talked about enough.
Silica dust comes from simple everyday working materials that are found in homes and businesses. Many people who work in the construction field are frequently exposed to silica dust, but they aren’t the only ones who face exposure. The chances are that you have already been exposed to it, especially if you are a homeowner or take part in home renovations and repairs. The truth is that too many people are simply unaware of what silica dust is and how harmful it can be to your lungs and overall health.
Silica dust can cause silicosis, which could not only play havoc on your lungs but can also lead to other horrific diseases, cancer included. That is why it is important to be cognizant of what silica dust is and in which ways it could harm you. If you think you may have already been exposed to silica dust and have suffered negative effects to your health, contact a skilled environmental lawyer.
What Is Silica Dust?
Silica is a compound that is found in many materials in the construction industry. These materials include rock, concrete, brick, stone, drywall, and much more. When any of these materials containing silica are cut, sanded, drilled, chipped, or grinded, silica dust is sent into the air. Silica dust contains tiny particles called respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
What Harm Could Silica Dust Cause to Your Lungs?
If silica dust repeatedly finds its way into your lungs over a period of time, it can cause severe damage. RCS becomes embedded in your lungs, and over a period of time, causing your lungs to become scarred and inflamed, making it difficult to breathe.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported that RCS particles can cause a plethora of diseases. According to OSHA, these diseases include lung cancer, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and silicosis.
Silicosis is a type of lung disease that is caused by the breathing in of silica dust. Silicosis, because it brings about symptoms of coughing, inflammation, and fibrosis (scarring), identifies as a form of pneumoconiosis, one of a group of interstitial lung diseases that develops from the breathing in of certain types of dust particles.
There are three types of silicosis.
- Chronic silicosis is common when a person has been exposed to silica dust for a period of more than ten years.
- Subacute silicosis is also considered an accelerated silicosis. It happens over a period of two to five years. This form of silicosis happens when exposure to the silica dust is heavier.
- Acute silicosis is an extreme exposure to silica dust over a time as short as a number of months.
Symptoms are chronic cough, inflammation, and fibrosis. You can experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and weight loss. It is classified as a lung disease.
Because silica dust attaches to your respiratory tract, and it can easily damage your alveolar macrophages — the main phagocytes of the innate immune system that work against the infectious or allergic particles that invade your respiratory tract. For this reason, severe exposure to silica dust can also cause you to develop an autoimmune disorder.
What Industries Come with a Risk of Developing Silicosis?
The mining and quarrying industries are known for exposing workers to a number of lung diseases, silicosis included. General construction is always placing people at risk according to what materials are worked with. People who work in the building and demolition industries are constantly coming into contact with silica dust.
Other industries or occupations are those that deal with stone, countertop, pottery, ceramics, sandblasting, glassmaking, and foundry work. People who are handy in the home and like to do renovations could also have enough exposure to silica dust to develop silicosis. Remember that acute silicosis can develop in just several months.
What Precautions Can You Take to Protect Yourself from Silica Dust?
In the workplace, employers should be cognizant of silica dust exposure and risks, the same as with any other work hazards. OSHA has developed guidelines for industries where exposure to silica dust is rampant. These guidelines include specialized training, wearing efficient respirators, and using specialized equipment that reduces the amount of dust that spreads to the air.
An integrated water delivery system for handheld power saws in an example of specialized equipment, streaming water onto the blade. The blade in turn wets the material that is being sawed, and that reduces the amount of dust being spread into the air.
For work inside the home, make sure that your contractor is following stringent guidelines to keep you and your family safe. If your contractor is not aware of specific guidelines that limit exposure to silica dust, it might be a good idea to either insist your contractor learn about them or find another contractor, which may depend on the amount of work you are having done, of course.
If you are doing the work yourself, take precautions. Look into water and vacuum systems that capture silica dust. It is always a good idea to close off work areas to other parts of the home; this will keep the dust in an enclosed area.
Make sure to protect yourself the same as if you were doing it for a living. Shop around for a good respirator. If possible, do any sawing or cutting, or anything that could send dust into the air, in a location other than inside the home. Also make sure to clean up the dust. Use a vacuum, cloth, or sponge to eliminate the dust.
Do not eat or drink in work areas, and avoid using tobacco. Wash your hands and face whenever you take a break, and change your clothes and take a shower when finished. If you work around silica dust as part of your job, make sure to change your clothes before driving home and place them in a sealed bag.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Who Have Suffered Health Problems from Exposure to Silica Dust.
If you have been diagnosed with a serious health condition due to exposure to silica dust or any substance in the home or at work, you need a competent lawyer to help you navigate your way through the legal process. Our experienced Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will fight hard to bring you the results you deserve. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, Sussex County, and throughout Delaware.
Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
If you are exposed to chemicals on the job and those chemicals harm you, the resulting case is known as a “toxic tort.” Toxic torts can be difficult to prove in court, but they are important to pursue, especially if you have been seriously injured in the short term or long term.
Winning a toxic tort case can help you recover damages to pay for your medical bills, loss of work, and even pain and suffering. It can also stop other people from having a similar experience by holding the employer accountable.
What Kinds of Chemicals Do People Encounter at Work?
Depending on your line of work, you may be exposed to a host of potentially dangerous chemicals, from carbon monoxide and sulfuric acid, to ammonia and chlorine. Cleaning professionals like janitorial personnel routinely rely upon cleaning products that may contain ingredients that are harmful if inhaled. Workers in a food factory use preservatives and other chemicals during their everyday duties: those preservatives may work well to keep the food from spoiling in small amounts, but may lead to health problems for workers.
Workplace chemicals are not always easy to pinpoint. Many people have been exposed unknowingly to asbestos during their working lives. This sometimes makes it difficult to figure out when and where the suspected exposure happened.
Is It Possible to Win a Toxic Tort Case?
Toxic tort cases can be challenging to prove, especially if exposure to a chemical happened years or decades before. Documentation, expert testimony, prior cases, and other evidence can assist in proving the validity of a toxic tort lawsuit. Again, this is where having strong legal representation matters. Lawyers accustomed to litigating toxic tort cases have the experience and infrastructure to collect and present compelling evidence to a court.
How Do You Know If You Have Been Exposed to a Job-Related Chemical?
If you spill a chemical on your arm and it causes a burn, you have immediate proof of exposure, but plenty of chemical exposure responses are far less obvious. This can make it difficult to know if you have been exposed to a toxic substance. The following symptoms may accompany recent or past chemical exposure:
- Development of malignant tumors or conditions.
- Eye and skin irritation.
- Frequent colds or cases of flu.
- Problems related to memory.
- Respiratory illnesses like asthma, allergies, and pneumonia.
What Can You Do If You Think You Have Been Exposed to Workplace Chemicals?
You may suspect that your medical issues are related to chemical exposure, but how can you back up your claims? First, make sure to go to a doctor. Having a record of medical diagnosis and treatment will help bolster your case.
Secondly, talk to a lawyer who has a record of working with toxic torts. A consultation with someone like an environmental lawyer will give you more information on how to potentially proceed. Finally, continue to take care of yourself. Even though it can be expensive to get care, you deserve to be well.
Remember: all employers have a responsibility to act in the best interests of their employees. As such, they must ensure a safe working environment. If you feel your present employer or a past employer has violated your trust by knowingly exposing you to a chemical that caused a medical problem, you may want to get in touch right away with a legal representative.
Get Advice on Workplace Chemical Exposure from a Wilmington Environment Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A.
Do you suspect that exposure to a chemical led to an acute or lasting medical condition? Call an experienced Wilmington environment lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. right away. Call us at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form. We have offices in Millsboro and Wilmington, Delaware. Our team handles civil tort cases in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County, and throughout the state.
How Can I Tell if Well Water is Contaminated?
In recent years, the safety of ground water and well water in Delaware has become a major issue. The problem with receiving your household water from a well is that your water comes from groundwater. Most private wells are not tested regularly. This is compared to public water which is tested regularly as required by both state and federal regulations. Specifically, at the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires municipalities and companies that provide water to the public to undergo rigorous testing.
For private well owners, there is no requirement for any testing. If any testing is completed on a private well, the homeowners are required to do it, and pay for it, themselves. It is important to know what to look for in how to spot if your well water is contaminated.
Visible Signs of Contamination
There are visible signs of well water contamination that you can spot if you know what to look for:
- Scale or scum accumulation caused by calcium of magnesium minerals within the water. This creates what’s commonly referred to as “hard water.” Scale buildup will look like a white powdery substance left behind.
- Cloudy water can be a sign of contamination of many types of substances including rust or dirt or substances. Cloudy water could also indicate problems with your home’s pipes. Overtime, pipes can become corroded or rusted, causing water to be cloudy.
- Green stains on faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers, is indicative of your well water being contaminated with high levels of acid. The acid can come from various materials in your well water including certain metals such as iron, copper, or zinc. If the acid is at high enough levels, it can also cause physical health problems such as diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, liver disease, and kidney problems.
- Brown or red stains caused by well water is indicative of dissolved iron in your water. You will see these strains in your sink, dishwasher, or even your clothes after washing them. High levels of iron in your water can cause injuries with your organs, including your heart, liver, and pancreas.
These visible signs of well contamination can often be seen in older homes with older sinks and faucets that are serviced by private water wells.
Does Your Water Taste Funny?
Not only are there visible signs of contamination, there are also signs of contamination on how the water tastes. Here are some funky tastes to look out for in your well water:
- Salty taste indicates high sodium or chloride contamination.
- Soapy taste in your well water indicates high levels of alkaline minerals.
- Chemical taste to the water indicates high levels of chlorine and cleaning chemicals in your well water.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Clients with Contaminated Well Water Claims
If you have experienced health problems due to contaminated well water, you may seek compensation to help. Our knowledgeable Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have are experienced in helping homeowners with contaminated wells. Call us today 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation are our law offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware. We serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, Sussex County, and throughout Delaware.