Who Do I Sue for Toxic Mold?
Finding mold in a home, rented property, or business can be shocking and worrisome. Though small amounts of mold can be effectively removed without bringing in professionals, large amounts of mold may require extensive repairs and remediation.
Many people who have discovered unexpected pockets of mold and mildew wonder if they can or should sue for damages. This depends on the circumstances. However, everyone should first understand what makes mold a possible health, financial, and environmental concern.
Why is Mold a Potential Problem?
Mold tends to grow in dark places exposed to high humidity and moisture. This is why many people find mold in dank basements, around roof leaks in attics, and along the baseboards and walls of bathrooms. Mold spores breed rapidly and destroy materials, including drywall, wood, and carpeting. Mold generally emits a subtle or strong odor that smells musty and slightly dirty. Even if the humidity and dampness change, mold will not necessarily go away on its own. Instead, mold spores will remain in a dormant state until conditions change and they can grow again.
Although some sources suggest that toxic mold is not a huge health problem, many scientists disagree. People who are sensitive to mold can develop allergic reactions, asthmatic responses, and respiratory issues if they are exposed to moldy places.
Can Mold be Cleaned?
Small pockets of mold can be removed with special cleaners and solutions. However, bigger patches of mold may require the help of mold remediation specialists and construction professionals. For example, a piece of drywall that has been affected by mold will need to be removed, the area sanitized, and the drywall replaced. Therefore, mold removal can end up being a costly problem.
This is one of the reasons why an individual may want to pursue a lawsuit if they find mold. A successful suit might help offset most or all of the expenses related to mold remediation. However, suing may not be necessary if other steps are taken.
What are Physical and Mental Signs of Mold Exposure?
Not everyone who is exposed to mold experiences bad reactions. Nevertheless, some people report headaches, coughs, colds that will not go away, watery eyes, memory problems, fatigue, and even nosebleeds. Any symptoms should be evaluated by a physician to rule out other reasons for the problems.
What to Do After Finding Mold
A homeowners who discovers mold will want to contact their homeowner’s insurance provider. Many providers will help pay for mold removal, only charging the homeowner the deductible. It should be noted, though, that some policies clearly state that long-term mold damage is not covered. Therefore, a homeowner should inspect and know their policy terms.
A person who is renting a home should tell their landlord or property manager about the mold. This gives the person who owns the apartment, condo, townhouse, or home a chance to fix the situation.
Employees who work in businesses with obvious signs of mold need to alert their employers to the problem. This allows the employer to take the necessary steps to evaluate the mold situation and get help.
When is it Time to Call a Lawyer Regarding a Mold Infestation?
If the mold is not being properly taken care of, a person may talk to a lawyer for help with an environmental toxic tort claim. An attorney will work hard to make sure that living or occupational locations are safe and healthy for workers and the public.
Homeowners who are turned down by their homeowner’s insurance and think the mold could be related to poor construction practices may also want to call an attorney. Although winning a mold-related lawsuit can be challenging, it can be worth the effort if the mold is widespread and has led to medical and financial hardships.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Provide Counsel for Clients Exposed to Toxic Mold
Did toxic mold lead to financial and medical problems for you or a family member? Exercise your legal rights by speaking with one of our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation, Located in Wilmington or Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Advocate for Clean Water During National Water Quality Month
Even in America, some kids and adults may have trouble finding access to drinkable water. Named National Water Quality Month more than a decade ago, August provides the opportunity to recognize the importance of fighting against water contamination and its potential effects.
Why Does Water Get Contaminated?
When people think about water systems, they often picture clear, fresh water running through streams. The water makes its way downward into municipal water systems and wells, supplying everyone with water for drinking, bathing, cleaning, and recreational activities. However, water can come from different sources, including the watershed and runoff.
What is Watershed Water?
Any water that makes its way into the sewers and water table comes from the watershed. That means that watershed can originate from countless sources. When someone in a residential neighborhood washes a car in a driveway, the dirty, sudsy water mixed with oils and debris drains into the nearby sewer. The water then moves into a local treatment facility where all the contaminants it contains must be removed using specific processes and equipment.
Watershed water can also include any water that goes down residential and commercial drains and plumbing pipes, including waste from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry sinks. Since this water contains many different types of unwanted additives and even toxins, it needs to be purified before it can be usable again.
Are Water Treatment Facilities Effective?
It may seem logical to think that polluted water can simply be treated at water treatment facilities. Yet, not all water treatment works to completely rid water of contaminants, such as mercury, arsenic, e-coli, chlorine, pesticides, radioactive items, and lead.
Federally mandated, Water Quality Standards, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Clean Water Act exist to inform water treatment facilities about how much of each contaminant may be present in potable water. However, testing can be inconsistent. Plus, people who rely upon untreated well water can end up consuming contaminated water.
How Does Drinking Contaminated Water Affect Humans and Pets?
Drinking water that includes chemicals, toxins, and unhealthy quantities of normally present contaminants can lead to a variety of health issues in humans and household animals.
Some common early and short-term responses to drinking polluted water may include diarrhea, a general feeling of nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and headaches. Long-term consumption of water that has been polluted has been linked to increased risk of birth defects in infants, Hepatitis A, some cancers, and other serious, chronic, and irreversible medical conditions.
What Should I Do to Keep My Water Supply Clean?
Any consumer can help keep water quality cleaner and free from pollutants by taking a few key steps. The first is to avoid putting anything in the drain or flushing it down the toilet if it does not belong there, such as over-the-counter medicines and prescription pharmaceuticals. Secondly, pet owners should always clean up any animal waste and dispose of it properly in the trash.
Next, children and adults can make wise choices about the cleaning supplies they choose, opting for ones that will have less of an impact on the environment. Finally, everyone can take steps to avoid dumping any kind of garbage on the street or in the woods where it could make its way into a water supply.
Clean water is necessary for life, and the average person relies on having around 80 gallons per day for consumption and personal hygiene purposes, among other uses. August is a reminder to keep water pollution at a minimum, so that everyone can ensure that water systems are healthier.
Delaware Water Contamination Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Counsel Individuals and Families Affected by Polluted Water
Are you experiencing health problems because of contaminated water? If so, contact one of our experienced Delaware water contamination lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. We help clients impacted by dangerous water systems. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
New Test Detects Water Contamination in Minutes
Water is an essential part of life, and water quality is crucial. Unfortunately, there are countless environmental factors that could lead to water contamination. If these hazards are ignored, it could jeopardize everyone’s health.
To test one’s water system, the average American homeowner most likely would need to send a sample to a lab and wait weeks for the results, not to mention the high expense to do so. Fortunately, researchers at Northwestern University have designed a handheld test that gives an almost instant result whether the water is compliant with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Similar to a pregnancy test, the device takes one sample and gives the user a positive or negative reading. There is a total of 17 different toxins or contaminants the test looks for and can easily include more in the future.
What Household Items Contaminate Water?
The environment has changed drastically over the years as well as resources. Due to these reasons, it is important to test drinking water for contaminants. Common household items, like cleaning chemicals, can contaminate well water systems. There are also agricultural and construction areas where chemical wastes, such as pesticides or herbicides, can leak into water sources if not properly contained.
Additionally, earthquakes, landslides, flooding, and other natural disasters can cause dangerous runoffs with numerous different toxins, such as copper or iron, that ultimately end up in water supplies.
Does the Age of a Water System Impact the Quality of Drinking Water?
The common household water system is supplied by a well or by a municipality, whereas both systems are subject to aging. As water leaves either system, it is subjected to environmental contaminants before arriving to the home. The homeowner may not be aware of what is in their water.
What Problems Occur from Water Contamination?
Contaminated drinking water can lead to a myriad of health problems, such as cancer, birth defects, miscarriages, and gastrointestinal problems. The following list contains common water contaminants:
- Lead, copper, or other metals: Since water is a natural solvent, certain metals in old pipes or in outdoor construction areas can dissolve over time in water systems.
- Arsenic: Although commonly found in groundwater, large amounts of arsenic can lead to health issues. Arsenic is mostly tasteless and odorless.
- Bacteria: Bacteria and viruses can be found in drinking water. Sometimes, they are hard to trace and treat.
Water should be frequently tested to ensure that it is drinkable.
Why is Water Testing Important?
There have been several occasions where corporations around the country violated EPA standards for water safety, endangering local communities, which led to environmental toxic torts and out-of-court settlements. Low cost and efficient testing is an important step to ensure safe water quality for everyone and to hold those accountable for contaminating water systems.
Delaware Water Contamination Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Sickened by Contaminated Water Systems
If you have discovered that toxins in your water might be causing an illness, you need to hold those accountable. Our Delaware water contamination lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. help victims obtain compensation for illnesses caused by contaminated water supplies. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
EPA Reverses the Regulation of Perchlorate Levels in Drinking Water
A recent reversal of an EPA regulation governing the amount of perchlorate levels in public drinking water has gained widespread attention. Many health and wellness consumer advocacy groups and respected environmental scientists have expressed concern that without the EPA’s oversight, water supplies could deliver excessive perchlorate to state residents around the country. Many fear that this water contamination will lead to health issues.
Studied for more than a decade, perchlorate has a record of potentially leading to long-term issues, including lowered I.Q. in children and hypothyroidism in adults. Many individuals who routinely drink water sourced from wells near perchlorate-producing military facilities or ordinary municipal water supplies are pushing for the administration to revert to prior limitations on the amount of perchlorate allowable in consumable water.
What Should I Know About Perchlorate?
The chemical, perchlorate, can occur in some natural settings and can also be man-made. It can be found in some fertilized soils, as well as potash. Its manufactured version is commonly associated with the creation of explosives, including fireworks, missiles, rocket fuel, and vehicle safety flares. Occasionally, perchlorate may be used to help create specific types of containers to store or transport dry materials.
On its own, perchlorate does not present a threat to humans. However, it should not be imbibed or ingested. Otherwise, medical disruptions may happen.
How Does Perchlorate Enter the Human Body?
People do not drink or eat perchlorate on their own accord. Most perchlorate imbibing occurs when a person drinks contaminated water, such as from a local well or even from tap water. Perchlorate leeches into the soils and groundwater supplies, eventually making its way into homes and businesses.
Some food may contain perceptible doses of perchlorate, according to tests that occurred in the mid-2000s. In general, though, the wide majority people who present problems associated with consumption of perchlorate trace their issues to their drinking water rather than foods they are eating.
How Does Perchlorate Affect the Body?
A recent study from a top university has revealed that perchlorate stops the body’s ability to fully absorb and utilize iodide and iodine. Without iodine, the thyroid gland cannot send the proper hormonal signals throughout the body. Women who are pregnant or nursing often take iodide or iodine supplements to stimulate normal thyroid growth in their developing infants.
Perchlorate puts up a barrier to the thyroid. Researchers believe that when given the choice between perchlorate and iodine, the thyroid always chooses to take in the perchlorate. Consequently, people who drink water with higher than acceptable levels of perchlorate may wind up with thyroid issues. Whenever a part of the body cannot function efficiently, it negatively impacts other parts of the human system.
Should I Monitor my Perchlorate Consumption?
Anyone who drinks well water or public water has the right to know the contents of the water, including how much perchlorate it contains. Nevertheless, with the EPA no longer measuring perchlorate, consumers may have difficulty finding out exactly what they are putting into their bodies, and the bodies of their children.
Since perchlorate can disrupt development in fetuses and babies, pregnant women should be cautious about drinking water from the faucet. After giving birth, mothers who nurse are still at risk of passing excessive amounts of perchlorate through their breast milk to their newborn infants. Parents who choose to either mix formula with tap water or give their babies bottles of tap water may introduce perchlorate into their children’s diets.
Pregnant and nursing mothers are not the only consumers who should be careful about perchlorate. People with pre-existing thyroid conditions, especially hypothyroidism, may want to do whatever they can to avoid eating or drinking perchlorate.
What Are Potential Symptoms of Too Much Perchlorate?
Having too much perchlorate can stunt the thyroid’s effectiveness, leading to anything from lowered brainpower, to sluggish ability to process everything from food to information. Many patients who develop hypothyroidism notice they have dry skin, trouble remembering items, and have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
In babies and small children, excessive levels of perchlorate may lead to physical developmental delays, and possibly cognitive delays, according to the results of studies performed on other mammals. It should be noted that perchlorate may also affect the kidneys, pulmonary system, nervous system, reproductive organs, and liver.
How Can I Avoid Perchlorate?
It can be tough to determine how much perchlorate is in a community’s drinking supply, particularly with an end to testing. For that reason, consumers worried about drinking perchlorate in their water may want to limit using water for any type of hydration or cooking. This may include not using tap water or well water for any recipes, including those that call for boiling ingredients in heated water. Heating does not reduce the level of perchlorate. Neither does freezing, so ice cubes made from tap or well water should also be avoided. However, perchlorate-rich water seems to be safe for non-edible uses, such as cleaning dishes, taking showers and baths, and laundering clothing.
The easiest way to take away the chances of drinking water with perchlorate is to keep bottled water on hand at all times. Drinking bottled, purified water from a reliable source can greatly reduce exposure to perchlorate.
What do I do if I am Exposed to Perchlorate?
If you feel that you have been exposed to water containing high levels of perchlorate, you can contact your physicians for a work-up. A simple blood test can determine if a patient suffers from hypothyroidism or another common symptom of overexposure to perchlorate. Parents who feel their children were exposed to perchlorate may want to contact their pediatricians.
People who believe that they have a strong link between a medical issue and drinking water with perchlorate can always contact an attorney who practices environmental law. Environmental lawyers focus their attention on bringing justice for individuals and families affected by environmental-related problems. Having evidence from a doctor can go a long way towards making a claim.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Stand Strong for Consumers Exposed to Unhealthy Levels of Perchlorate in Their Drinking Water
Are you having serious thyroid issues or other issues that could be related to drinking or eating perchlorate? If so, our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will evaluate your case and fight for your rights. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Mask Shortage Leaving American Farmers Exposed to Pesticides
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused job loss, illness, and death around the world. At the same time, there are many unintended consequences tied to the response to the novel coronavirus. One of the most striking problems is the global mask shortage and how it impacts those who wear face masks outside the medical field. Farmers have been hit hard by the global mask shortage, and their plight should be taken seriously as they attempt to feed the population.
How Did COVID-19 Cause This Problem?
One of the first things that happened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic was the shortage of toilet paper. This basic need for common household supplies is completely understandable, but it was not a sustained panic. As the population calmed down, stayed home, and changed routines, masks and hand sanitizer became a serious household need that was often difficult to find or afford.
Even if the population remains as clean as possible, the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), along with local and national governments, have urged citizens to wear face masks in public. A shortage on face masks began, and now they are sold in stores around the world as readily as anything else. Consumers are buying masks online, and companies are stockpiling masks for workers.
Agriculture, however, was left out of the loop. Farmers and their farmhands work in fields everyday and use pesticides to protect their crops. To protect themselves from pesticides, farmers must wear face masks.
The Face Mask Shortage Widens the Personal Protective Equipment Gap for Farmers
The WHO estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for and consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) 100 times over. Companies that produce face masks have experienced a financial windfall that is practically unmatched. These companies, however, cannot keep up with demand. Manufacturers have also stated that they may not be able to keep up with demand for quite some time.
This shortfall directly impacts farm workers who must wear N95 masks if they are working with and around pesticides. Farmers could not have imagined how much the pandemic would change how they operate.
Farmers Are Considered Essential Workers
Farmers and their farmhands are considered essential workers by the Department of Homeland Security, and these farmers have been working consistently as the COVID-19 pandemic happens around them, their communities, and sometimes their farms. If farmers do not have the masks they need to continue, they still need to work because crops could die, and they will lose money, and the population will not have food to eat.
Farmers are left in a precarious position because they are keenly aware that they should be using face masks at work every day, regardless of what is going on around them.
Why do Farmers Need Face Masks?
Farmers need face masks because they routinely come in contact with pesticides on the job. Even if farmers are not spraying pesticides, they are working in fields where pesticides have been used, or they are using machinery that has pesticide residue lingering on surfaces. Additionally, farmers may even work in areas where pesticides could be blown downwind to their location.
Farmers might work in facilities where pesticides are stored nearby, or they may need to pick up large shipments of pesticides, handle them, and store them. Essentially, anyone who works on a farm will be exposed to pesticides one way or another.
Pesticides Can Cause Illnesses and Death
Pesticides have been linked to a range of conditions, including:
- Diminished lung function
- Asthma
- Lung cancer
- COPD
- “Farmer’s lung”
Farmers may develop occupational asthma that was brought on by the chemicals they breathe in at work. This condition causes the lungs and air pathways to constrict and makes it difficult or impossible to breathe. Additionally, sufferers may need to carry a rescue inhaler for the rest of their lives because asthma attacks are unpredictable. Farmer’s lung is known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis in medical circles. Farmers could also develop COPD, which is most common in lifelong smokers, or they might develop lung cancer due to long-term exposure.
Additionally, farmers are at greater risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. Anyone who is immunocompromised can get sick easily, and farmers often work in crowded areas where they cannot avoid human contact. Moreover, farm workers often live in temporary quarters that can act as breeding grounds for diseases, including COVID-19.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of Pesticide Exposure?
Pesticide exposure causes a range of symptoms that could easily be confused with the common cold or even the flu. Since some Americans ignore minor illnesses or symptoms, farmers might miss the signs of pesticide exposure, which include:
- Chronic dry throat
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
If you or anyone working with you notices these symptoms, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Also, it is beneficial to seek legal counsel, an experienced lawyer will help determine if you eligible for filing an environmental toxic tort claim. Confronting your pesticide exposure is better than allowing the problem to grow into a more severe condition.
How Can Farmers Protect Themselves?
First, employers are required by law to provide PPE to their employees. This leaves farmers in bad situations. They could be in violation of federal law if they cannot find masks during this shortage. The U.S. government often recommends that farmers use engineering to disperse pesticides safely. Farmers could use microbial pesticides that do not contain harmful chemicals, or they may introduce insects to their crops that will kill crop-eating pests.
Farmers should not allow their employees to use bandannas or cloth masks in the field, and all N95 masks should be discarded at least every eight hours. A mixture of safe practices and new farming techniques will protect farm workers and will help combat problems during the mask shortage.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Serve Injured Farm Workers Exposed to Chemicals at Work
If you have been exposed to pesticides or are at risk for developing COVID-19 on the job, reach out to our professional Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. We can review your case and potentially file an environmental toxic tort to recover damages. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly represent clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Reduction of Environmental Funding in Delaware
Over the last decade, there has been a steep reduction in the amount of environmental funding and staffing available at both federal and state levels. According to a new report by the Environmental Integrity Project, these budget cuts come at a most inopportune time considering the booming oil and gas industry, and the ever-increasing number of flagrant violators who continue to go unchecked.
Most States Have Reduced Environmental Agency Funding Over the Last Decade
According to the report, 30 states have reduced funding to their environmental agencies’ pollution control programs. These cuts were implemented despite the devastating impact of climate change and coastal flooding in several states. Forty states reduced the staffing levels at their environmental agencies, and 21 states eliminated at least 10 percent of their environmental workforce.
Delaware cut its environmental agency funding by 33 percent since 2008, earning a spot among the top five states with the largest percentage of cuts to operating budgets in the last decade. Additionally, it is reported that:
- Out of the 30 states that reduced funding, 16 did so by more than 20 percent.
- States eliminated more than 4,400 positions at environmental protection agencies.
- In some cases, environmental agency funding was slashed despite an increase in overall state spending.
- The reduction in spending for state pollution control programs cuts across party lines and has occurred in both notoriously democratic states, such as Delaware.
- Delaware was among the top 10 states with the largest percentage of cuts to environmental agency staff, which is a 21 percent decrease since 2008.
How Are Environmental Laws Being Implemented and Enforced?
Understaffing and underfunding has made it more difficult for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as state environmental agencies to implement and enforce environmental protection laws, such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Those who have been exposed to toxic materials or chemicals may be able to obtain compensation in an environmental toxic tort claim. To prove a toxic tort claim, a plaintiff must generally show that the substance he or she was exposed to is dangerous and caused harm. Available damages typically include medical expenses and monitoring, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially wrongful death damages in cases of toxic tort-related fatalities. For more information, it is best to contact a local environmental attorney that will explain environmental toxic torts, your legal rights, and options.
Wilmington Environment Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Victims Who Are Exposed to Toxins
If you were harmed by exposure to environmental pollutants, contact one of our knowledgeable Wilmington environment lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. We are dedicated to holding corporations accountable for their actions and obtaining maximum compensation for our clients. Complete our online form or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free case consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What Medical Conditions Are Caused by Environmental Contamination?
Environmental contamination affects more than just the natural environment. Pollution can have devastating health effects on individuals exposed to toxins in their daily lives. Recognizing the most common medical conditions resulting from environmental contamination is an important step in holding polluters responsible for the harm they cause. Some of the most frequently occurring medical conditions which can develop after exposure to toxins includes cancer, heart problems, and brain tumors.
What Cancers Are Caused by Environmental Contamination?
One of the most widely reported health consequences linked to environmental contamination is the development of cancer. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related disease and one of the most severe medical conditions that can be caused by pollution, it is a rare form of cancer in the outer lining of the lungs. Each year, almost 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with this deadly disease, which can take years to manifest after the initial exposure to asbestos.
Risks of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, increases with prolonged sun exposure, but also with exposure to environmental pollution. Scientists believe when airborne pollutants deplete the protective ozone layer, individuals are exposed to greater amounts of damaging ultraviolet radiation. Direct skin exposure to other pollutants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, such as DMBA, also may lead to the development of some types of skin cancer.
Exposure to miniscule particulate pollutants have been traced to the development of liver cancer, the toxins stimulate the growth of hepatic tumors and low-grade inflammation in some exposure victims. Other types of cancers which can result from environmental contamination include leukemia and cancer of the lung or colon.
Can Environmental Contamination Cause Heart-Related Conditions?
Pollution can contribute to cardiovascular conditions. According to research conducted by the American Heart Association, air pollution is connected to an increased risk of heart disease and fatal cardiovascular disease. Particulate matter pollution can be especially dangerous to individuals who may develop atherosclerosis, triggering acute heart attacks.
What Can Cause Brain Tumors?
Research indicates individuals exposed to certain airborne pollutants face an increased risk of developing brain tumors. Tumors can be cancerous or otherwise harmful to normal brain functioning. The presence of a brain tumor is not the only effect caused by environmental contamination. Many individuals exposed to toxins experience other brain-related deficits, including memory loss, brain inflammation, and cognitive functioning problems.
Other medical conditions related to environmental contamination include hepatitis A, emphysema, and other respiratory illnesses.
How Can you Obtain Compensation?
Individuals suffering from a medical condition resulting from environmental contamination often face additional financial stresses. The costs of ongoing medical treatment, prescription drugs, occupational or physical therapy, and lost wages can be overwhelming for families. Filing a civil lawsuit against those companies responsible for releasing toxic materials into the environment, including the manufacturers, distributors, and marketers of contaminated products, can result in an award of damages.
Millsboro Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Victims Obtain Compensation for Illnesses Caused by Environmental Contamination
If you have developed a serious medical condition after being exposed to environmental contamination, we can help you. Our Millsboro environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. help obtain compensation for toxic exposure victims. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Understanding How Humans Are Exposed to Environmental Contaminants
Exposure to environmental contaminants can have serious health consequences for humans. For that reason, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with monitoring the impacts of such exposures on people.
When an environmental incident occurs, it can taint the surrounding air and land, or cause water contamination that the EPA must respond to. The EPA also monitors those who were exposed to the contaminants to evaluate how the exposure affects their health.
Environmental contamination incidents may involve physical pollutants, biological agents, radiological poisons, or chemicals, such as pesticides.
When accidents taint the environment, the danger is most obvious, but environmental dangers can be present in seemingly harmless and commonplace settings where people work and play.
The testing performed to keep track of such exposures goes a long way towards keeping researchers informed about hazardous contaminants and how it poses dangers to humans.
How is Contaminant Exposure Measured?
The EPA measures and monitors contamination levels that result from an exposure to environmental contaminants by attempting to obtain readings in the environment, and at the point of contact with a human subject, and by testing the subject to determine the contaminant levels present in the body. There are four main ways to obtain these measurements, which include:
- Environmental measurements: The EPA measures or estimates concentrations of contaminants present in the air, water, and land. The collection of this data gives the agency an indication of how much of a contaminant is in the environment but does not specify how much of it encounters people.
- Exposure models: The EPA uses exposure models, which use environmental contaminant concentration levels along with information on personal work habits and life routines to estimate the amount of exposure. Factors include how much time an individual spends outdoors and activities. These factors can indicate how individuals are exposed in certain environments, and it helps to identify the contaminates.
- Personal monitoring devices: Often used to identify workplace exposures, the use of a personal monitoring device allows a user to go about the activities of a normal day while the device collects data on encountered contaminants.
Biomonitoring: Biomonitoring is performed on the person who was exposed, this determines the level of contaminants in the body and its health effects. The biomarkers in the body are commonly found in the blood or urine, though it can also be measured in other samples, such as exhaled air, hair, nails, stool, breast milk, or biopsied tissue. These tests can identify environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants that accumulate in the body.
If an individual is exposed to a contaminant and becomes ill, he or she may be able to file an environmental toxic tort claim with an experienced lawyer.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent People Exposed to Environmental Contaminants
If you were exposed to toxins while working or living near a site that has environmental contamination, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have the experience to go after those responsible for your injury or illness. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What is the Risk of Ethylene Oxide?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently failed to warn numerous residents who live near most plants about the risks of increased ethylene oxide gas in the area. In fact, the EPA has only met with residents and officials that live near nine out of the 25 plants since 2018. Those who reside near 16 of the plants are also in the dark about the concerning health risks. Eleven of these plants sterilize medical equipment, the remaining are chemical plants. The increase in ethylene oxide seems to be linked to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the EPA said they met with communities and officials. The agency also posed a new rule that would further limit emissions of ethylene oxide in the plants.
What is Ethylene Oxide?
Ethylene oxide is used to sterilize medical equipment, but it is also found in numerous products. The flammable chemical is commonly found in the following:
- Antifreeze
- Textiles
- Plastics
- Detergents
- Adhesives
- Pharmaceuticals
Airborne emission of ethylene oxide increases the risk of cancer to 100 in one million. Information about ethylene oxide is always evolving. In 2016, the EPA discovered the toxic chemical is 30 times more carcinogenic than previous findings. This newfound information provoked the EPA’s investigations into the 25 plants that emit this gas.
Many may wonder why the residents were not able to identify the significant gas omissions on their own. However, ethylene oxide can be hard to identify; the gas is colorless but does have a faint, sweet odor. Ultimately, it is up to officials and the EPA to warn residents of health risks.
What About Workers Exposed to Ethylene Oxide?
Workers in chemical plants that contain ethylene oxide, or other workers who are exposed, must abide by strict standards to reduce risk. Harmful effects of high levels of ethylene oxide include:
- Eye pain
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
Long-term effects of exposure can include the risk for cancer, such as leukemia. It has also been linked to genetic damage, abortion, and nerve damage. If workers are exposed to unsafe levels of ethylene oxide, they must follow standards directed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which include medical surveillance programs.
Protection for Workers
Limiting exposure is essential while working with dangerous chemicals. Although low levels of ethylene oxide are considered safe, high exposure can cause serious injuries. If workers are exposed to high levels, employers must:
- Limit exposure through work practices and engineering controls
- Notify workers within 15 days of results of unsafe exposure
- Enforce medical surveillance programs in extreme situations, including emergency conditions
Additionally, employers are obligated to notify affected employees of the risks, keep records of exposure, assign regulated areas, and abide by OSHA standards. If workers or residents in affected areas are concerned about their exposure to ethylene oxide, it is beneficial to contact an environmental lawyer about legal options.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Exposed to High-Levels of Ethylene Oxide
If you have become injured or ill due to high levels of ethylene oxide that was caused by the negligent actions of another, contact a Wilmington environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. We will fight for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
EPA Awards Grant to Identify Lead in Water
The safety of Delaware’s drinking water is always a concern, especially in schools and child care facilities. As of recently, the citizens of Delaware can rest assured that their water safety is being taken care of. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Delaware Department of Education $209,000 for lead testing in drinking water. This grant will assist with identifying sources of lead in drinking water in schools and child care buildings to prevent hazardous water contamination.
Protecting children from exposure to lead is the reason why this grant was offered and accepted. The health of our children is always of utmost concern, and we need to protect them from the dangers of lead and other toxic chemicals.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Lead is extremely dangerous to human health, even at low exposure levels. Once lead gets into the body, it can accumulate over time and cause chronic health problems. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the EPA to determine the level of contaminants in water that is acceptable before causing adverse health effects. The EPA has determined that the amount of acceptable lead in water is at zero percent due to its overly toxic qualities.
Young children, infants, and fetuses are the most vulnerable to lead and may develop physical and behavioral effects if exposure occurs. A small amount of lead exposure to an adult may not cause too much harm. Lead exposure to a child can induce damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, cause learning disabilities, height impairments, and impair the function of blood cells.
For adults, lead is also harmful and can produce cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure, hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproduction problems. Lead exposure can also negatively affect pregnant woman and the growth of the fetus.
Other signs and symptoms of lead exposure:
- Constipation
- Slowed body growth
- Hearing problems
- Anemia
- Low appetite
- Low energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Aggressive behavior
- Pain in the abdomen
How Does Lead Get Into Drinking Water?
There are many ways that lead can get into our drinking water. The main way is through plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, but lead can also enter drinking water through lead pipes, faucets, and water fixtures. There are a number of factors that can further increase the amount of lead in the water including:
- Chemistry of the water
- Types and amounts of minerals in the water
- Amount of lead the water comes in contact with
- Temperature of the water
- Amount of wear and corrosion in the pipes
- How long the water stays dormant in the pipes
Steps to Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
There are two main ways that you can protect lead from getting into your drinking water. The first option is to learn more about where you water comes from. The EPA requires all community water systems to prepare an annual water quality report for their customers by July 1.
After reading up on your water system, have your water tested. Since you are unable to see, taste, or smell lead in water, the most beneficial way to protect yourself is to get your water tested by a certified laboratory.
Delaware Water Contamination Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Clients Harmed by Lead Exposure
Exposure to lead in drinking water is extremely dangerous and fatal if digested in high amounts. Our Delaware water contamination lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. fight for the health and safety of our clients. If you have been exposed to lead, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free case consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.