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.
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.
Poison Prevention Week
March 15 to the 21 is National Poison Prevention Week, an opportune time to raise awareness of how accidental poisonings occur and how to prevent them. Each year, poison centers across the United States receive more than 2 million calls, many of which involve poison exposure. Although most non-fatal poisonings happen to children younger than six years old, teenagers and adults are also at risk of poisoning accidents. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent unintentional poisonings and poison-related deaths in people of all ages.
Causes of Unintentional Poisoning
Any substance that causes harm to the body when too much is eaten, injected, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin is considered poisonous. Most poisonings occur in the home due to accidental exposure. Cosmetics and personal care items, household cleaning products, analgesics, and antidepressants are the substances most implicated in poison exposures, according to the National Capital Poison Center. Other causes of unintentional poisoning include:
- Antifreeze
- Contaminated water
- Food
- Gasoline
- Lighter fluid
- Metals
- Motor oil
- Over-the-counter medications, which account for most poisonings in pets
- Paint and paint thinner
- Pesticides
- Prescription medications
Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the type and amount of poisonous substance to which one is exposed; other factors that impact poison levels include age, weight, and general state of health. Poisoning symptoms typically include:
- Burns
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry mouth or drooling
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Rash or swollen skin
- Seizures
- Shaking
- Slowed rapid heart rate or breathing rate
If you suspect that you or someone else has been poisoned, dial 911 or call your local poison center immediately and inform them of the substance that was ingested. Acting quickly can mean the difference between life or death.
Preventing Poisoning
This week is a good opportunity for everyone to inspect their homes for any potentially poisonous substances and ensure that they are stored properly. Some tips to prevent unintentional poisonings include:
- Dispose of expired or unneeded medications.
- Do not mix chemicals.
- Do not refer to medicine as candy.
- Ensure that there is proper ventilation when working with paint thinners, cleaners, and other chemical solutions.
- Follow the instructions on the label, and do not take more than the recommended dose.
- Have the poison center phone number readily available in case of an accident.
- Keep foods and household products separate and in their original containers.
- Label everything.
- Store medicines and vitamins on high shelves out of children’s reach.
- Wear protective clothing when handling cleaners and chemicals.
Compensation for Poisoning
Those who were poisoned due to toxic products may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Available damages in such personal injury, product liability, or toxic tort cases generally include medical expenses, medical monitoring, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.
Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Poisoned Victims
If you were poisoned by a toxic substance or material, contact one of our skilled Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A today. Our experienced and dedicated legal team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including those in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Causation in Toxic Torts Claims
Toxic torts claims typically arise when a person is exposed to a toxic substance at work or through consumer products, pharmaceutical drugs, or the environment. Employers, manufacturers, and suppliers may all be held liable for any injuries resulting from such toxic exposure.
Those who suffer bodily injury or death due to environmental toxins may even be able to hold the appropriate government entity liable for its negligent acts or omissions, according to the exceptions to immunity under the Delaware Tort Claims Act. Although toxic tort cases vary greatly, all plaintiffs must prove the same basic elements in order to prevail, the most challenging of which is causation.
Elements of a Toxic Tort Case
In toxic tort claims against an individual, corporation, or government entity, a plaintiff must prove three basic elements:
- Dangerous substance: The substance in question must be dangerous, which is typically established through expert testimony.
- Exposure: The plaintiff must have been exposed to the substance in question, either at home, at work, or through ingestion.
- Harm: The substance in question must have caused harm to the plaintiff in the form of either physical injury or illness.
Challenges of Proving Causation
Often, the most challenging element of a toxic tort case is to prove causation. Even if it is established that the substance is toxic and that the plaintiff was exposed to it, plaintiffs will not be able to recover unless they can prove that the substance caused their injury or illness.
Plaintiffs must be able to show that their injury or illness would not have resulted otherwise. This can be challenging due to the variety of potential causes for illnesses. For example, someone may develop lung cancer from exposure to asbestos in the workplace, but they may also develop it from smoking cigarettes.
Further compounding the issue is the long latency period associated with certain diseases like mesothelioma, which can take up to 50 years to manifest. Given the typical two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases, many toxic tort plaintiffs would be barred from recovery. However, courts recognize this complication and follow the discovery rule, which is that time does not start running on the statute of limitations until the plaintiff actually discovers the harm.
Creating a Successful Toxic Tort Claim
To create a successful toxic tort claim, plaintiffs must be able to overcome the hurdles associated with causation. Some ways they can do so include:
- Having solid medical testimony from medical experts showing the link between the toxic substance and the plaintiff’s injury or illness.
- Showing the prevalence of similar illnesses in those who were exposed to the same toxic substance.
- Obtaining evidence of the toxic exposure, such as pictures, records, product recalls or other public warnings.
Georgetown Toxic Tort Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Injured by Dangerous Products or Substances
If you were injured by a dangerous product or toxic substance, contact one of our Georgetown toxic tort lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Our dedicated attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve from those responsible for your toxic exposure. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state including those in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Toxins in Drinking Water
Common chemicals found in many products may be poisoning our drinking water. Specific chemicals that have been used since the 1950s are still a threat to our healthy, clean, and safe water supplies. Yet, the toxins are still allowed to be used while studies continue to link its detrimental effects on humans.
These common chemicals are linked to health problems, but they are still found nearly everywhere in our modern lives. In a society that values convenience and often undermines the invisible costs of consumer-industry innovation, people often find themselves enamored by handy consumer products without knowing its potential health hazards. In many cases, information about the potential dangers of these products are obscured by enticing claims about the product or dismissal of its safety risks.
What are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in consumer products and industry applications that show up in many aspects of daily life. Products that contain PFAS include:
- Non-stick cookware
- Food packing materials
- Stain-resistant carpets
- Cleaners
- Paint, varnish, and sealants
- Materials resistant to water, fire, and heat
Exposure Dangers
Products containing PFAS chemicals have been linked to adverse effects in humans who have been exposed to the substances. Such harmful effects include:
- Hormonal interference
- Heightened cholesterol levels
- Female fertility issues
- Immune system impacts
- Increased risk of some cancers
PFAS Dangers Linger
These manmade substances do not breakdown easily. These toxins are remarkably pervasive throughout our environment in the air, soil, and water. They can be found in fish and wildlife as well as in people throughout the world; these chemicals are not easily eliminated from our bodies or our environment.
Exposure Risk Is Widespread
Wind and rain can carry PFAS particles and contaminate a wide area. Most human exposures come from eating or drinking goods that contains PFAS toxins. People who work in facilities that produce PFAS products have a greater risk of exposure as higher levels of PFAS are present in their workspaces. Accordingly, these employees have been shown to have higher levels of PFAS in their blood.
Residents who live nearby these facilities may be more likely to be exposed to PFAS in their community drinking water.
Actions to Take
To mitigate your risk from PFAS exposure, ask your local health department about PFAS levels in your community drinking water. If the level is unacceptable, water contamination may be present, and it is best to use an alternative source. If possible, try to limit your consumption of the contaminated water.
Though it is not routine, a simple blood test can determine the level of PFAS in your body. Having PFAS in your blood does not necessarily mean you will get sick.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Harmed by PFAS
If you suspect that you have developed a health condition as a result of an environmental exposure, you may be able to collect damages from those responsible. Our skilled Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will help you fight for fair compensation from those responsible for your exposure-related illness. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to set up a free consultation. With locations in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Delaware Launches Investigation Into Wastewater Plant
Officials in Delaware are investigating equipment malfunctions at the Lewes Wastewater Treatment Plant. The malfunction caused sewage and other pollutants to pour into a local waterway, leading to water contamination.
On Dec. 18, 2019, a leak allowed partially treated wastewater to pour into the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal for ten hours. Weeks later, problems surfaced with the equipment that was installed to treat issue, leading to a second leak that lasted two hours before repair crews could control the situation.
Thankfully, the drinking water supply was not affected by the leaks, but officials are concerned about potential environmental and economic impacts. Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources announced a joint investigation with the Lewes Board of Public Works and the city government to determine exactly what happened.
Equipment Trouble Led to Contamination
Evidently, the original leak stemmed from equipment failure that led to contaminated treatment membranes. These membranes are meant to filter wastewater. Following the ten-day repair project, the membranes were replaced and treatment resumed. However, it became clear that the water pressure threatened the stability of the new membranes. In response, plant officials spoke with the membrane manufacturers and came up with new procedures to address the strain on the membranes.
This required a two-hour repair to take place on Jan. 2, 2020. While the issue was being handled, plant operators were forced to allow untreated water to bypass the filters and flow into the waterway. While the plant was dealing with repairs, residents and businesses were asked to limit water usage, including shower time, toilet flushing, laundry, and dish washing. The fixes seem to be successful, and no further bypass operations are expected. Likewise, residents and area businesses have resumed normal water usage.
Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
Effluent flows from the Lewes plant made its way into the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal that flows into the Delaware Bay. It was determined that Rehoboth Bay was unaffected from the plant bypass incident. Studies by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control had previously established that waterflows move away from the state’s inland bays. This includes Indian River Bay, Little Assawoman Bay, and Rehoboth Bay.
Health, Environmental, and Economic impacts
A warning was announced to local shellfish harvesters, stating that they had to close harvesting operations in the lower Delaware Bay. The closure affected operations from the Mispillion River Inlet to The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, as well as waters towards the New Jersey border.
The closure is in place for three weeks following the leak, provided that discharge tests remains at acceptable levels. These standards are set by the United States Food and Drug Administration guidelines. This closure highlights risks to public health and the environment.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Harmed by Water Pollution
If you have been exposed to polluted water, you may be eligible to collect damages for your illness. When waterways are contaminated, individuals are exposed to toxic and infectious substances. Our Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can assist you with your case. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Groundwater Contamination Relief
Water is a precious resource. In the United States, more than half of the nation’s population relies on groundwater for drinking water. Groundwater refers to water under the Earth’s surface that is replenished by rainwater, streams, rivers, and lakes. If groundwater supplies are contaminated, affected homeowners and residents are suddenly without a safe water source.
Groundwater contamination occurs from numerous industrial and agricultural sources. This includes illegal waste dumping, atmospheric contaminants, road treatments, chemical waste, and animal waste products. Therefore, contamination of groundwater represents a significant human health and environmental hazard. Long-term effects from contamination can affect populations and ecosystems.
Types of Contamination and Relief
Groundwater is stored in aquifers underground and groundwater levels can vary depending on rainfall or drought conditions. This water source is for human consumption. It also supports the ecosystems of lakes and rivers, sustaining vegetation and wildlife. In parts of Delaware, watershed threatens the Chesapeake Bay. Prior to the industrial age, groundwater was a pure and uncontaminated water source. In the 21st century, threats to groundwater are myriad; contamination can stem from industrial operations, agriculture waste, landfills, spills, road salt treatments, and several other ground contaminants.
Mountaire Farms Lawsuit in Delaware
For homeowners in Delaware, a recent lawsuit may bring relief to those affected from the agricultural groundwater contamination that impacted over 750 plaintiffs. In the Delaware case, communities’ water was affected by Mountaire Farms, a large-scale poultry producer that slaughters and processes about 2 million chickens per week. The complaint alleges that Mountaire Farm’s wastewater treatment plant failed to adequately treat wastewater and sludge. The wastewater contained chicken parts that included fecal matter, blood, and carcasses. The company sprayed the waste on nearly a thousand acres of farm fields. Findings showed that the waste contained extremely high levels of nutrients that violated state environmental regulations. Mountaire Farms and the affected plaintiffs entered negotiations to settle the case.
Claims of Chemicals Start a Groundwater Lawsuit
Also in Delaware, a class action suit against chemical giants 3M, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. is underway. Claims that a chemical used to manufacture non-stick items has degraded the groundwater. Ingesting contaminated water can have serious effects on human health. Some of these effects includes birth defects, developmental delays, and cancers.
It is important to determine causes of groundwater contamination when residents, business owners, or municipalities are impacted. In agriculture industries in Delaware, potential contamination can occur from the process of slaughtering animals and biologic byproducts. Chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers can also contribute to groundwater contamination. Analyzing contamination requires environmental experts familiar with state and federal regulations. Plaintiffs should not attempt a lawsuit without a skilled environmental lawyer on their side.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Groundwater Contamination Victims
If you or someone you know was subjected to groundwater contamination, you may be eligible for compensation. Our dedicated Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. protect victims suffering from environmental contamination and will fight to defend your rights. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation about your claim. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Croda Inc. Cleared to Reopen After Toxic Gas Leak
Nearly a year to the date since chemical company, Croda Inc., experienced a toxic gas leak at Atlas Point on the Delaware River, environmental officials have given the go-ahead to reopen the plant. In November 2018, a gasket failure caused the leak of more than a ton of ethylene oxide, a highly flammable substance used to bind oil and water together, and one that certain government agencies classify as a carcinogen.
The accident shut down the Delaware Memorial Bridge and brought Thanksgiving traffic to a crawl on local roadways for seven hours while firefighters poured gallons of water on the plant and its pipe system. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and state agencies fined Croda more than $500,000 for offenses, including operating the 82-year old plant without proper inspections, inadequate employee training, and other operational failures.
Dangers of Ethylene Oxide
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, short-term exposure to ethylene oxide causes drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. A person who comes into skin contact with the gas can experience blisters, burns, frostbite, and swelling. Chronic exposure can lead to nerve damage, respiratory infection, leukemia, and stomach cancer.
Croda Takes Action to Reopen
In a statement issued by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the department confirmed Croda completed all of the adjustments and safety measures ordered by the state, including an internal investigation report and an analysis of leak hazards, fire management training, and plant operation and emergency preparedness. Valves were added to isolate and disburse toxic chemicals in addition to the installation of more than 25 ethylene gas detectors.
Concerns About Future Toxic Exposure
While firefighters on the scene were able to contain most of the ethylene oxide in and around the plant, there are concerns regarding ground leaks and the potential for exposure to communities surrounding the plant. At a meeting shortly after the plant accident, neighbors gathered to question state officials about why a plant producing and storing hazardous chemicals was permitted to operate so close to well-traveled bridges and highways.
Local political leaders are tasked with balancing the promise of thousands of blue-collar jobs and industrial growth with the potential risks to residents, commuters, and the environment. Croda is responsible for monitoring underground ethylene oxide levels and reporting its findings to the state moving forward.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Victims of Toxic Exposure
If you suspect you or a loved one became ill by exposure to a dangerous substance, you may have cause to bring a toxic tort claim against the person or company who allowed this exposure. The Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. take on challenging toxic tort cases and work tirelessly to prove that someone’s negligence led to your acute or chronic condition. Call us at 302-656-5445 or use the online contact form to schedule a free consultation today, Located in Wilmington or Millsboro, Delaware. we represent clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.