Can Pesticides Cause Cancer?
Pesticides encourage plants to grow by controlling unwanted insects and weeds. People who work with pesticides may inhale or absorbs these chemicals through the skin. Even if you do not make or use these substances, it is nearly impossible to avoid contact with them entirely. Pesticides are probably used in your community, your school, and the places you shop, eat, and enjoy the outdoors. The general public is exposed to pesticide residue in fish, meat, and produce.
There are hundreds of different substances used as pesticides worldwide. Some have been identified as carcinogens, meaning there is evidence suggesting they cause cancer. Others are suspected of causing cancerous changes in the body. The risk of others is unknown and requires more research.
With so many different pesticides in use, evaluating every chemical will take time. Yet, as we have seen with some products, that research comes too late for individuals living with cancer.
Consider the widely-used weed killer Roundup. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup and other wisely-used pesticides, is a probable cancer-causing substance. The IARC cautioned that anyone who comes in contact with glyphosate pesticides should be concerned about toxic exposure to this substance. That warning came years after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserted that glyphosate was safe for humans.
To date, thousands of lawsuits have been filed linking Roundup to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with some plaintiffs winning significant awards against Bayer/Monsanto. Bayer bought Monsanto and has assumed the legal burden of fighting ongoing pesticide litigation.
Reducing Pesticide Exposure
There are things you can do to limit pesticide exposure and lower your risk of cancer and other health problems going forward.
Based on a systematic review of the health effects of pesticides published in the National Library of Medicine, public health experts recommend decreasing pesticide use for cosmetics, non-commercial purposes, around children, and at work. Much of that responsibility lies with the companies that produce our foods and consumer goods.
There are also some steps you can take to reduce the use of potentially harmful chemicals. First, whether you are controlling insects, mold and mildew, or weeds, choose your products carefully. Use the appropriate chemical for the job, and do not use more than the suggested amount.
Never use pesticides around children and animals. If possible, use non-chemical methods whenever possible. Washing fruits and vegetables before eating helps to remove some pesticide residue as well. Choose to buy from companies using alternatives to chemical pesticides when you can.
I Developed Cancer From Hazardous Chemicals. Do I Have Grounds for a Claim?
If you were diagnosed with cancer and believe it was caused by exposure to toxic pesticides at home or work, you may have grounds to file a civil claim. A consultation with a lawyer who focuses their practice on environmental toxic tort claims is the best place to start.
It is important to save any evidence related to your case, especially your medical records and documentation regarding the use of chemicals where the exposure occurred.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients Injured by Toxic Chemicals in Pesticides
Our schools, jobs, and neighborhoods should not make us sick. Our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. proudly fight to obtain justice for clients impacted by hazardous chemicals. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we assist clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Silica Dust Exposure Puts Demotion Workers At Risk
Silica dust is a fine powder that can become airborne and endanger those who breathe it into their lungs. Demolition projects can produce silica dust, putting workers at risk.
Concrete, cement blocks, and bricks contain silica. When the demolition process crushes and grinds up those materials, it produces silica dust. The demolition process, utility vehicles, and heavy equipment can cause dust to spread into the air.
Spraying water and dust suppressants help prevent silica dust and other contaminants from becoming airborne. Wearing respirators can help prevent breathing in harmful silica dust. Using equipment that has air-conditioned and heated cabs with air filtration systems can protect operators as well.
What Is Silicosis?
Crystalline silica dust irritates the lungs and could lead to silicosis. The dust particles embed themselves in the lining of the lungs and cause irritation. Silicosis is similar to asbestosis because it causes inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. Eventually, silicosis makes it much harder for the lungs to breathe and process oxygen.
Repeated exposure to silica dust makes silicosis more likely to occur. The greater the exposure, the faster the onset of silicosis. Silicosis is a debilitating disease that makes it difficult to perform daily activities. It also can cause death in extreme cases.
Filing a Claim for Silicosis
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis, you could file for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Workers’ Compensation benefits should pay for your medical treatments and other damages. Those damages could include loss of income if the condition makes it difficult for you to work or find employment.
Additionally, those who have silicosis may be eligible to file a toxic tort claim. An experienced attorney will determine your legal options.
Proving Silicosis
A medical diagnosis of silicosis shows how your illness is related to exposure. A medical specialist could determine your condition and show how exposure to silica dust lead to your diagnosis.
Once you have established the cause of your condition, you (your lawyer) will need to show that you suffered harm. Your medical diagnosis, medical costs, and loss of income would support your claim. Documenting how it affects your daily life is also helpful.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Can Help You if You Have a Silica-Related Illness
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis or another related disease, you can get legal help from one of our experienced Wilmington environmental lawyers 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 represent clients in 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.
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.
What are the Effects of Fracking?
One of the most controversial environmental topics in recent memory, “fracking” is a drilling method that has changed the oil and gas industry. Hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as “fracking,” is done by breaking up shale rock that lives deep underground. Natural gas and oil are released by the combination of chemicals and water, drilling, and small explosions. Fracking has catapulted the U.S. into the forefront of natural gas exports, reversing a decline of several decades.
Despite its positives, fracking brings many negatives, particularly to the environment. Although natural gas companies and state governments have worked to minimize the environmental dangers, fracking procedures can still go awry and cause contaminates to leak into groundwater, including cancer-causing chemicals.
Another issue with fracking is the lack of federal regulations surrounding the drilling method, something that has failed to keep up with as the rush for natural resources booms. Many chemicals used in fracking, including benzene and toluene, are not regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, thus companies are not mandated to disclose what kind of chemicals they use in the process.
The chemicals used in fracking leak into our groundwater sources and underwater wells, putting agricultural and wildlife in danger, as well as our own communities. Many of the chemicals found in fracking, then in our groundwater, are linked to adverse health effects, such as:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Digestive issues
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Respiratory issues
Fracking also produces smog and releases pollutants into the air, particularly methane, a hazardous glasshouse gas. It is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year span, damaging the ozone layer.
Another harmful effect of fracking is its effects on our water supply and its quality. Not only does fracking pollute our underground water sources, but it also consumes water as well, over 1.5 million gallons per well. This is especially troublesome for areas and communities that lack sufficient clean water. If water is not available locally, some fracking sites transport it from other regions, limiting the supply around the country.
After the fracking procedure, the result is billions of gallons of contaminated wastewater that will find its way to water sources. It finds its way into surrounding vegetation and soil, which then inhibits the growth of plants and destroying wildlife habitats.
The Economic Effects of Fracking
Fracking has negative economic impacts as well. Just cleaning up drinking water resources is costly: it took over 100,000 dollars to clean up drinking water for just 14 homes in a town in Pennsylvania. In Colorado, cleaning up of a community’s drinking water has cost a fracking company hundreds of thousands of dollars over the span of eight years.
Air pollution from gas drilling is estimated to cost an Arkansas community over 10 million dollars in 2008. Across the country there has been millions of dollars of health care costs and reduced productivity due to the illnesses fracking has caused to local workers. Fracking also negatively impacts a state’s infrastructure and public services, straining and damaging local roads as trucks deliver water to fracking sites. Texas has had to spend $40 million on road repairs for one shale region, while Pennsylvania had to spend close to $265 million to repair roads in another shale region.
The Wilmington Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Families Affected by Fracking Companies
Although fracking may have some positives for the country’s energy concerns, it negatively impacts our communities, our wildlife, and our environment. If you or your family are dealing with the negative effects of fracking, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a Wilmington environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. right away. 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.
What Industries Are Usually Responsible for Water Contamination?
Having clean water is critical and should be easily accessible. Yet, about 80 percent of the world’s wastewater is dumped, with much of it untreated, back into the environment, polluting rivers, lakes, and oceans. In fact, less than one percent of the world’s freshwater is actually available. By 2050, the worldwide demand for freshwater is estimated to be one-third greater than it is now.
Every state has been reported to have potentially dangerous contaminants, such as arsenic and lead, which have been found in tap water. To understand how to protect water resources, it is important to know how water contamination happens.
When toxic substances pollute a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or any form of water, it damages its quality. Water is a universal solvent, meaning that it can dissolve more substances than other fluids. Water is susceptible to pollution, and toxic substances from farms, cities, and factories can easily contaminate water supplies.
Many industries and companies have been known to pollute bodies of water, including:
- Auto manufacturers.
- Lead and zinc mining.
- Power plants.
- Waste disposal companies.
- Mining and smelting operations.
- Industrial contamination.
- Chemical companies.
Manufacturing, mining, and waste disposal companies provide many communities in the country with jobs, along with products and services to consumers. However, these industries are among the nation’s worst water polluters.
What Are Common Water Contaminants?
Water does not need to look, smell, or taste unusual in order for it to be contaminated. In fact, contaminants cannot always be easily identified by people. It may take years before a person is aware that a problem exists with their water supply. Most people only become aware of water contamination when illnesses arise. Chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers in water may cause cancer and reproductive problems and can damage the eyes, liver, or kidneys.
Some common water contaminants include:
- Ammonia.
- Arsenic.
- Barium.
- Chloramine.
- Fluoride.
- Lead.
- Nitrates/nitrites.
- Mercury.
- Radium.
- Uranium.
Health Effects of Water Contaminants
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set standards for over 80 contaminants that may get into drinking water and present a health risk. The contaminants fall into two groups according to the health effects that they cause.
One category is acute effects, which take place within hours or days of the time that a person consumes a contaminant. People can suffer acute health effects from almost any contaminant if they are exposed to high levels, such as a toxic spill. In drinking water, bacteria and viruses are the contaminants with the greatest possibility of reaching high levels. Fortunately, most people have a strong enough immune system to ward off these contaminants.
Chronic effects happen when people consume a contaminant at levels over EPA’s safety standards over a long period of time. The drinking water contaminants that can have chronic effects include chemicals, such as disinfection byproducts, solvents, and pesticides. These chronic effects can cause cancer, liver or kidney problems, or reproductive issues.
Delaware Water Contamination Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate on Behalf of Those Affected by Water Contamination
If you have an illness that you suspect is caused by water contamination, our Delaware water contamination lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you explore your legal options. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation.
What are the Dangers of Pesticide Exposure?
While pesticides are intended to kill unwanted pests, they generally do not pose a risk to humans, but there are cases where people are exposed to pesticides at hazardous levels. Some bug poisons distress the nervous system. Pesticides can also contain carcinogens that affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes into account a pesticide’s active ingredients to assess risk. A cumulative risk assessment gauges the risk associated with one time exposure compared to multiple pesticides that act the same way in the body.
The EPA evaluates whether or not pesticide residue will affect food. The EPA sets safeguards on how the pesticide may be used, how often it may be used, and what protective clothing or equipment must be used before approval of the pesticide. These standards ensure the health of humans and the environment.
Agricultural Worker Protection Standard
The EPA’s Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is designed to mitigate pesticide poisonings and injuries to agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. Over 2 million agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who work at over 600,000 agricultural companies are protected by the WPS. In 2015, the EPA revised the WPS to decrease pesticide exposure incidents among farmworkers and their family members, which resulted in fewer incidents on jobsites.
The safeguards call for workers and handlers to be trained in pesticide safety training materials. Pesticide safety training materials with the expanded content required by the WPS must be used to train workers and handlers.
Pesticide Poisoning Exposure
If you believe that you have been poisoned by a pesticide, immediately seek medical attention. Make a hospital visit or go to your physician, and if you have any questions, call the EPA’s poison control center.
You may also have legal options if you have been exposed to a pesticide because of the negligence of another party. You should contact a lawyer for more information.
If you have become ill due to pesticide exposure in an agricultural business that is covered by the WPS, your employer must offer transportation available from the jobsite to a health care facility and give specific information about the pesticide to which you may have been exposed.
Delaware Toxic Tort Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Injured by Pesticide Exposure
If you are suffering from an illness that was caused by exposure to a pesticide, contact our knowledgeable Delaware toxic tort lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
What are Forever Chemicals?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) take such as long time to break down that they are often referred to as forever chemicals. Shockingly, PFAS may be harmful to humans as well. For this reason, everyone should learn more about the effects of PFAS.
PFAS are chemical compounds with elemental bonds that are so tight that they do not break down under normal circumstances. Additionally, PFAS have a slippery, heat-resistant surface that is both durable and dependable. This makes them attractive for use in household products, including Teflon cookware, cosmetics, water-repellent apparel, and personal protective gear, stain-resistant textile, and many more commercial items.
In other words, PFAS have become widespread. However, PFAS have been around so long that trace elements of them have been found in soil, drinking water, and even in the human body. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) performed studies on random groups of people to determine their levels of PFAS. The CDC found PFAS in 97 to 99 percent of the participants.
What Health Problems are Linked to PFAS?
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have examined the effects of PFAS. As a result, many scientists and medical experts believe that excessive exposure to or consumption of PFAS can cause a host of physical and psychological ailments. Some health problems linked to PFAS include:
- Birth defects: Some of the more common birth defects reported involve preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and diabetes in pregnant women.
- Cancer: In particular, testicular, ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers have been noticed among people who have been exposed to high levels of PFAS.
- Elevated cholesterol levels: Any measurable elevation in the normal level of cholesterol could be linked to PFAS.
- Hormonal fluctuations and disruptions: Varying studies have indicated a likely correlation between PFAS and endocrine fluctuations.
- Immune system suppression: People with high amounts of PFAS in their bodies may be unable to fight off diseases as effectively as those without high amounts of PFAS.
- Liver disease: The liver can be affected by PFAS exposure, causing it to work less efficiently.
- Puberty delays and reproductive health issues: A delay in the sexual development in young children, as well as the ability for adults to reproduce, may be linked to PFAS.
- Respiratory illnesses and chronic conditions: Some experts believe that PFAS exposure can cause an increase in asthma and allergic responses.
PFAS Case Involving Top Chemical Companies
Some companies pollute the environment with waste containing PFAS. This was seen in the DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva case that ended in a settlement of $50 million. The settlement amount is intended to reverse some of the alleged environmental damage, tests to see the current levels of PFAS, and provide money for specific organizations located near the companies’ manufacturing plants.
How can I Avoid Contact With PFAS?
Since PFAS have been around for generations, they are found in water supplies, the ground, and in consumer products. This makes them difficult to avoid. However, it may be possible for consumers to at least limit their exposure to forever chemicals. Consumers can avoid buying products that contain high levels of PFAS.
Some products that contain PFAS include cookware and bakeware coated with non-stick chemicals. Consumers should review ingredients and avoid products with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Another term to avoid is “perfluoro,” per Healthline’s recommendations.
What Should I Do if I Suspect PFAS Caused My Health Condition?
Due to recent litigation involving PFAS, consumers may have more clout than ever if they believe they have experienced health problems due to exposure to forever chemicals. With that being said, proving both causation and correlation can be challenging in court. Winning a case against a corporation requires having strong legal representation. If one wishes to pursue an environmental toxic tort case, they should speak to a lawyer right away.
At this point, stopping the future production of PFAS may be the only way to help avoid exposure. Several states have banned the use of PFAS in food packaging and firefighting chemicals. Other states are looking into safer ways to produce products that do not involve high levels of PFAS.
Delaware Toxic Tort Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Adversely Affected by PFAS
If you believe that a chronic health condition may have been caused or exacerbated by PFAS, speak to our Delaware toxic tort lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.