EPA Weakens Rules Governing Toxic Water Pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new regulations and extended deadlines for compliance with mandates affecting coal companies. The new regulations are part of the Trump administration’s efforts to create reasonable regulations on the coal industry, which has been identified as a dying industry. Geothermal and nuclear power have significantly affected the use of coal as an energy source, resulting in a huge reduction in jobs.
Coal mining was at its peak in the early 1900s with more than 800,000 workers. In 2006, that number was down to an estimated 50,000 workers. By relaxing current Obama-era regulations on the coal industry, the Trump administration is hoping to regenerate the use of coal as an efficient and safe form of energy.
What are the Changes in the Coal Ash Regulations?
Coal ash is a solid waste material containing lead, arsenic, and mercury. Unlined coal ash ponds run the risk of contaminating water supplies with toxic metals. Serious health risks are associated with these metals. There are two significant changes in the rules governing coal ash ponds and wastewater, which include:
- Extended Deadline for Closing Unlined Ash Ponds: Rules imposed by the Obama administration in 2015 mandated that all unlined coal ash ponds comply or be shut down by 2018. The new, extended deadline allows affected coal companies to remain open until at least 2020. Coal companies can also apply for an extension that would give them another five years to remain open.
- Changes to Limits on Pollutants in Coal Wastewater Discharged from Coal Plants: New technology has made it possible for coal companies to remove toxic materials, such as arsenic, lead, and mercury from its wastewater. The new regulations are expected to save coal plants an estimated $175 million in compliance costs. A voluntary incentive program will likely result in the removal of over one million pounds of toxic waste each year.
What are the Pros and Cons of the New Coal Regulations?
While utility and coal industries are in favor of the new regulations, many environmental advocates are expressing concerns.
Cons of the New Regulations:
- Extended deadlines for compliance with coal ash ponds could increase the risk for contaminated drinking water for millions of people.
- Toxic elements, such as mercury, lead, and arsenic leaking into the water supplies from unlined coal ash ponds could increase risks for cancer and other toxic diseases.
- Extended deadlines will keep unlined coal ash ponds open for up to eight years, significantly increasing the level of toxicity in water supplies.
- Not all coal companies are likely to comply with the voluntary use of technology to remove toxic elements from the water.
Pros of the New Regulations:
- Coal companies will now have a more realistic timeline for retrofitting unlined coal ash ponds.
- Requests for extensions could give coal companies as long as eight years to secure funding to implement safe wastewater storage.
- Relaxed deadlines encourage quality attention to upgrades and modifications.
- Keeping coal companies open for extended time reduces unemployment and poverty levels.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Provide Counsel for Compliance with EPA Regulations
If you need legal counsel for compliance with new EPA regulations on coal, call the Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Asbestos Exposure to Children Remains in Philadelphia Schools
Asbestos has been found in yet another school building in Philadelphia. District administrators are scrambling to make plans for keeping school children from being exposed to the airborne toxins. Still, in the thick of an asbestos remediation project that has displaced 1,000 students at the joint site of Benjamin Franklin High School and the Science Leadership Academy in the Spring Garden section of the city, the school district has recognized that there has been a significant delay in dealing with an additional asbestos site inside Thomas M. Peirce Elementary in North Philadelphia, home to an additional 437 students.
Parents at T.M. Peirce are irate that the district still lacks a plan to remediate their school, more than six weeks after the site of damaged asbestos was discovered. The school board and superintendent claimed that recent budget cuts have affected staffing and made it difficult to address the number of active asbestos cases being discovered in the district’s buildings.
Asbestos Background
Before the use of asbestos in construction materials was banned in the 1980s, homes and buildings, including school buildings, were routinely constructed using the fibrous material that has since become synonymous with airborne industrial hazards. For the most part, the danger remained contained for years behind walls or in ceilings, undisturbed. Builders and renovation companies that would encounter the material on occasion knew to recognize and avoid it by having it carefully remediated before work could continue. However, it is more than just construction workers who face the threat of asbestos exposure.
School Dangers
Students and teachers who learn and work in asbestos-contaminated buildings are wholly unaware of the dangers that exist right under their noses. Without training to identify asbestos products and materials, these educators and innocent children are unknowingly exposing themselves to harmful dust daily.
Asbestos Encounters
As asbestos-containing materials age, they become brittle and release harmful dust into the environment. When people inhale the dust, their lungs become damaged by its small abrasive particles. Prolonged or repeated exposure damages the lungs with microscopic lacerations that do not heal. Over time, the damage causes breathing problems, fluid in the lungs, and chest pain. These symptoms are associated with mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer that can incubate for decades before symptoms appear and lead to a diagnosis.
Georgetown Toxic Mold Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Asbestos Exposure Victims
Asbestos is an inhalable poison. Asbestos-caused lung damage is irreparable. If you are suffering from asbestos-related lung damage, contact a Georgetown toxic mold lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. We can help you collect damages for your medical bills and to compensate you for your illness. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Refinery Explosion Health Issues
South Philadelphia is home to Philadelphia Energy Solutions, the largest oil refinery on the East Coast. In June, a leak at the refinery’s alkylation unit formed a ground-hugging vapor cloud, which subsequently caught fire, causing massive explosions that covered local neighborhoods in thick black smoke. A new report released by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board confirms that the explosion released toxic chemicals into the air.
Health Issues from Toxic Chemicals
The report was the first confirmation that hydrofluoric acid was released into the atmosphere during the explosion. Crews were able to contain almost 2,000 pounds of the toxic chemical using water spray, but more than 3,000 pounds escaped. Hydrofluoric acid is so toxic that exposure to only 2.5 percent of body surface area can be fatal. If it makes contact with skin it can destroy deep tissue layers and even bone. Inhaling hydrofluoric acid can cause severe lung injury and even death. Residents of south Philadelphia say that since the June blast they have experienced chest pains, eye irritation, and headaches. A physician from the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania said that conditions like eye irritation and chemical conjunctivitis could be related to the blast.
Nowhere to Go
Residents of South Philly have their own advocacy groups and over the years they have complained about the environmental impact of the refinery in their backyard. One resident described the routine her family has developed for emergencies such as the June explosion. After being told to shelter in place, they stuffed blankets under their doors and taped plastic over the windows to minimize the risk of chemical exposure. Because they are too poor to move somewhere else, residents feel they have no say as to whether they can breathe fresh air and be healthy. In 2017, a joint report from the Clean Air Task Force and the NAACP found that African American communities are disproportionately impacted by refineries and their influence on air quality, including ozone smog and high asthma rates. Philadelphia’s childhood asthma rate is more than double the national average.
Philadelphia’s Largest Polluter
Even before the explosion the refinery had the distinction of being Philadelphia’s largest air polluter. It processes 335,000 barrels of crude oil on its 1,400 acres complex every single day. According to the Office of Sustainability, Philadelphia is the 12th most polluted city in America when measured by particulate pollution. More than 50 percent of Philadelphia’s local emissions come from the refinery. Some, but not all, of the particles emitted are visible to the human eye. The smallest particles are the biggest health hazard. In the past, the refinery has been repeatedly flagged for violations. In nine of the last 12 quarters it received High Priority Violations of the Clean Air Act.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Defend Those Suffering from Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
If you or someone you love suffers from injuries or illness related to toxic chemical exposure, contact an experienced Delaware environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Our dedicated team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 302-656-5445 today to schedule a confidential consultation about your case or contact us online. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent satisfied clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Toxic Mold Complaints at the New York City Housing Authority
The New York Post reports that the city’s housing authority is way behind in dealing with complaints of toxic mold from tenants. For years the agency has been under siege for its failure to fix leaking buildings and pipes, including a 2013 class action suit by residents. In 2015, a Manhattan federal judge imposed a watchdog to monitor efforts to remedy the continuing mold problems.
What is Toxic Mold?
Mold itself is not toxic, but certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce mycotoxins under the right growing conditions. Toxic mold is used to describe indoor air quality issues that are mold-related. Toxigenic molds have been linked to upper respiratory tract problems, asthma, and allergies. Anyone with reduced immunity may be particularly susceptible to infection from molds.
Mold spores are in both indoor and outdoor environments and will grow wherever there is excessive moisture. Spores grow well on wet cellulose materials, such as paper products like cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow on paint, wallpaper, drywall, materials for insulation, carpet, upholstery, other fabrics, and even dust.
Symptoms of Toxic Mold Exposure
Common symptoms of exposure to toxic mold include:
- Wheezing
- Red and itchy eyes and/or skin
- Congestion
These symptoms can be more harmful to people who have allergies or asthma. Large amounts of mold can induce severe reactions that include fever and shortness of breath.
NYCHA Fails to Fix Mold Problems in City Housing
Newly available data make it clear just how short the city has come in its effort to fix complaints of mold received from tenants in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) housing. NYCHA operates 174,000 public housing apartments in 316 developments. During a span of just three months, the NYCHA opened 100,760 work orders in response to complaints about broken pipes and mold, of which only 40,859 were fixed. During this three-month period, 30 percent of the requested repairs were never completed and another 28 percent of work orders were closed or canceled without any work taking place.
In an extreme case last year, an 83-year-old woman was found hallucinating in her public housing apartment by a case worker who had stopped by for a visit. The worker called the police who reported that almost 90 percent of the victim’s apartment was covered in one to two inches of black mold. The woman was taken to the hospital immediately.
Lies About Lead
In addition to continuing problems with toxic mold infestations, the NYCHA has been under fire recently as investigations uncover the extent to which the authority went to hide the presence of lead paint in its apartments. Exposure to lead is extremely dangerous for young children and can cause brain damage. Although city inspectors had conclusive evidence of lead paint in 34 public housing apartments, it appealed the findings instead of relocating the lead-poisoned children to safer surroundings.
Wilmington Toxic Mold Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Those Harmed by Toxic Mold
If you suffered an illness from exposure to toxic mold or another toxic material, the experienced Wilmington toxic mold lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Workers Ill from Silica Dust
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report highlighted the risks of chronic respiratory illness for individuals working with engineered stone commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. Currently the most widely used material for kitchen and bathroom countertops and vanities, artificial stone in its finished form is not dangerous. Yet, workers who chisel, grind, and polish these materials inhale tiny silica particles that can lead to silicosis, a serious and fatal condition.
Silica Dust Dangers
Silica, or quartz, is a common mineral found in a wide variety of building materials, such as concrete, sand, soil, and granite. When these materials are disturbed by cutting or grinding, tiny crystalline particles become airborne. If these particles are inhaled, they can lead to debilitating and fatal conditions, including:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease
- Lung cancer
- Silicosis
Silicosis develops within a few weeks to several years after exposure. Silica dust causes fluid and scar tissue to develop in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Over time, people with silicosis often need oxygen and other devices to help with breathing. Based on extensive scientific research on the dangers of silica dust exposure, both the World Health Organization and the American Cancer society identified crystalline silica as a known human carcinogen.
Preventing Silica Dust Exposure
In 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reduced the amount of silica dust permitted in workspaces by half, a move that some industry groups found excessive. Yet, others want more far-reaching safety standards that include specific guidelines for workers who cut and shape engineered stone. Currently, OSHAs’ silica standard for construction requires the following safety practices:
- Engineering controls that include wetting down workstations, vacuums, and other types of exhaust ventilation
- Work practices recommended by tool manufacturers to limit airborne particles, including wetting dust before sweeping it up
- Respirators when work practices and engineering controls are not enough to maintain safe silica levels
If you were harmed by exposure to a toxic chemical or substance, you do have recourse to seek damages for your medical bills and lost wages while you are unable to work. To receive the compensation you deserve for a preventable illness, you must prove exposure to a toxic material occurred and that exposure directly caused your illness. It takes an experienced Wilmington environmental lawyer to make this connection.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients with Health Conditions Caused by Toxic Exposure
If exposure to silica dust, mold, pesticides, or tainted water left you fighting a chronic or life-threatening condition, you may have cause to bring a claim against the person or company who should have protected you. To learn more about your rights and legal options, contact a Wilmington environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. With offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we work with clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Corporations Accused of PFAS Contamination
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a collection of fluorinated chemicals used in different types of industrial and consumer products. Regulation of these substances is inconsistent, and PFAS contamination may be even more widespread than we realize. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report alleging that major companies have known about the damaging effects of PFAS chemicals for decades and kept the information to themselves.
The EWG report uses internal documents from 3M and DuPont to create a timeline for their discoveries of the dangers of PFAS chemicals. As early as the 1950s, these documents show that the companies knew of the potential for PFAS to build up in the bloodstream. In the 1980s, they discovered a link between PFAS and cancer, as well as high rates of cancer among their own employees. It was not until 1998, however, that the companies alerted federal and state agencies to the dangers of PFAS, and regulators have been slow to catch up on managing the risk.
PFAS Not Regulated by Government Agencies
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cracked down on two of the most common PFAS contaminants: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), but there are many more chemicals that fall into this category. PFAS have not been classified as hazardous substances, so companies can continue releasing them into the air and water with impunity. An estimated 500 industrial sites across the country are releasing toxic PFAS chemicals, and there are currently no regulations requiring them to stop these activities. Firefighting foams continue to be manufactured with PFAS, which can contaminate water supplies when it runs off.
More than 700 communities in 49 states have documented PFAS contamination issues, and experts believe there may be many more. According to unreleased federal documents, approximately 110 million people in the U.S. have contaminated drinking water, and water utilities are not required to test or treat water for PFAS. Food supplies are also affected by PFAS.
DuPont has faced public criticism over its use of PFAS, particularly when it was revealed that Teflon contained PFAS. Chemours, a subsidiary that took over all their activities involving PFAS, sued DuPont alleging that the corporation did not notify them of the dangers associated with PFAS. DuPont has stopped using PFOA, PFOS, and another PFAS chemical called GenX, and they have pledged to stop using other long-chain PFAS by the end of 2019. They have also committed to support remediation efforts, including sharing their proprietary water treatment technologies.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for the Rights of Toxic Exposure Victims
PFAS contamination can be toxic to internal organs and lead to cancer development. If you have suffered from injury or illness linked to PFAS chemicals, call the Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Our legal team has the knowledge and experience to hold those responsible for your suffering accountable for their negligence. With offices conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we help victims of toxic exposure throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Delaware Approves Slag Facility Despite Local Fears
Delawareans in Wilmington and New Castle County are concerned about industrial air pollutants after state officials approved the construction of a slag-grinding facility along Christiana Avenue. Residents of nearby Southbridge have been resisting the plant’s approval on the grounds that its processing plant will spew harmful contaminants into the air they breathe.
Slag is a byproduct of steel production. The processing plant will dry and grind the slag to create an ingredient to be used in concrete. The grinding process produces dust that creates an environmental hazard. Walan Specialty Construction Products, also known as Penn Mag, recently received a permit to build the factory despite local objections.
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) called for residents to voice their concerns in 2018 and took those matters under advisement. In approving the permit, DNREC officials believed the fears of the local community were addressed. DNREC said the company will be required to implement a plan to control dust and ensure that vehicles transporting its materials avoid residential areas. The DNREC Secretary assured residents that the Division of Air Quality had performed testing that indicated the levels of air pollution would remain below federal and state guidelines.
Concerns Persist
Industrial safety materials advise against breathing in the slag dust, as it is known to cause lung damage and possibly even cancer. A report on a similar facility in Camden, New Jersey showed that processing slag accounted for about 10 percent of outdoor dust in the vicinity. Interestingly, Division of Air Quality officials did not answer questions about whether DNREC deliberations involved air quality measurements taken at an unrelated monitoring station set up two years ago in Wilmington’s Eden Park.
Opponents of the facility complained that past arrangements with similar industrial businesses have proven to be against the best interests of residents. They stated businesses that set up shop with pledges broke those promises and polluted the air with little consequence. The Division of Air Quality released a memo responding to such concerns, saying that using prior facilities in the area as a measure to gauge future operations was unfair.
Job Promises
The company intends to support the community by providing jobs, an arrangement welcomed by local unions and the port of Wilmington. Others suggested setting aside funds to address the potential health impact on locals and ongoing independent air quality monitoring.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Air Pollution Victims
If you experienced health problems due to exposure of industrial pollutants, call the Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. to discuss your options. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
PFAS Found in Contaminated Wells
Recent tests on local wells near Dover Air Force Base revealed the problem of tainted wells adjacent to the base may be more widespread than once thought. Since 2015, the base has been testing nearby wells for contamination of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). One tainted well was identified in 2016. After base officials encouraged further testing, four new wells showed PFAS levels that exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency standard of 70 parts per trillion. In fact, the Delaware wells showed the fourth highest levels of PFAS toxic chemicals for all United States military sites across the country. PFAS manmade chemicals have been linked to a host of adverse health problems, including cancer. The discovery of these contaminated wells raises questions about how to protect residents accessing these wells and if it makes sense to continue with additional testing.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are manmade chemicals manufactured and are used in a variety of ways since the 1940s. While two of the more widely used chemicals in the PFAS group are no longer manufactured in the United States, they are still imported into this country in everyday consumer goods, including clothing, packaging, paper, and plastics. In Dover, residents accessing the contaminated wells are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water.
Chemicals included under the PFAS umbrella have been linked to:
- Cancer
- High cholesterol
- Low infant birth weights
- Reproductive problems
- Suppressed immune system
- Thyroid hormone disruption
In Delaware, experts believe the use of a certain type of firefighter foam is to blame for excessive PFAS levels in the contaminated wells.
Safe Water Options for PFAS Sites
Until a more permanent solution is available, the state Division of Public Health is advising impacted businesses and residents to use bottled water. In addition to providing this bottled water, the Air Force is considering long-term solutions, such as home filtration systems, connecting affected buildings to the city’s water supply, and possibly constructing new, deeper wells at these sites.
Some Delaware legislators say the Department of Defense is not doing enough to address the threat of PFAS to area residents. One top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is calling for PFAS to be classified as hazardous substances subject to federal environment protection laws. Taking this step would require a more comprehensive cleanup effort from the Department of Defense. More Delaware residents may soon be asking questions about PFAS contamination as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced plans to conduct testing around New Castle Air National Guard Base into 2020.
Georgetown Toxic Tort Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients Exposed to Hazardous Chemicals
If you believe your illness was caused by your exposure to PFAS or other hazardous chemicals, contact a skilled Georgetown toxic tort lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Toxic exposure can lead to lifelong health problems. Let us seek the compensation you deserve for your illness. Call 302-656-5445 or complete the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Georgetown and Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly represent clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Living Near a Hazard
Sometimes, our neighbors can be pleasant or they can be more challenging. This is the case for residents of Grays Ferry, a neighborhood located near the gas refinery complex owned by Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES). The refinery has been at this Philadelphia location for 150 years. The complex has since been surrounded by residential housing and the proximity has not been easy for those residents. They say that the refinery regularly spews out odors that smell like rotten eggs. In the summer, it is unpleasant to be outside due to the stench. Odors are not the only concern; residents have experienced respiratory problems, such as recurring asthma that they attribute to the refinery. Some wonder if they are experiencing toxic exposure.
EPA Regulates Refinery Emissions
Over the years, the refinery has been found to be uncompliant with the Clean Air Act. It requires pollutant levels emitted from businesses to be kept at safe levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for petroleum refineries. The regulatory scheme varies the standards based on the age of refineries. Standards are more stringent for newer sources. Refinery industries seem to be keeping obsolete refineries on-line for as long as possible to avoid more stringent standards.
Advocacy Organization Opposes Refinery
Over the years, there have also been numerous fires at the complex. Community organizers have formed an advocacy group called Philly Thrive to seek action from regulators. The group has advocated for the refinery to either be shut down completely or until it complies with the Clean Air Act. Some community members have feared that the only way action will happen is if a catastrophic disaster occurs at the refinery.
Concerns for safety and health increased recently when fires again erupted at PES. An explosion at the Girard Point refinery at the PES complex caused multiple fires to break out and shook the walls of nearby homes. The city ordered residents to shelter-in-place while firefighters worked to control the blaze. The blaze grew to a three alarm fire with personnel and pieces of equipment being deployed by local fire companies. Combined efforts by on-site and local firefighters enabled the fires to be contained within a few hours. Thankfully, only four people on-site were injured.
Today, industries and residential communities are often located close together. This requires careful design with safety and health of both workers and residents in mind. The urge to maximize profits must be tempered by a responsibility to be a good neighbor and keep local residents free from exposure to hazardous materials.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for the Safety of Those Residing Near Hazards
If you live near a hazard, you may have options to recover damages. If you are experiencing exposure to dangerous levels of air or water contaminants, a Delaware environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or complete an online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Toxic School Supplies
As students get ready to return to school in just a few weeks families are busy buying a variety of school supplies for the upcoming year. Crayons, binders, and markers top most school supply lists. For many unsuspecting parents, these very supplies can contain dangerous toxins with potentially harmful side effects.
Many parents may be unaware that certain school supplies contain toxic chemicals, which can pose a real safety threat to young children. According to a recent study by U.S. PIRG, potentially dangerous chemicals can be found in many popular brands of school supplies, including Playskool crayons, The Board Dudes dry erase markers, and Jot three-ring binders.
One of the chemicals detected was asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen that can lead to serious medical conditions, including mesothelioma or lung cancer years after initial exposure. Other dangerous toxins found in crayons, binders, water bottles, and markers included lead, phthalates, and benzene, which can affect a child’s hormonal development and future fertility. The manufacturers of the tested products have disputed the testing results.
Misleading Labels
Parents are frequently misled by product packaging that advertises school supplies as non-toxic. Currently, there are no federal or state regulations setting specific standards or verifications that a product using the term non-toxic is free of toxins. Even though these words might imply a product does not contain any materials that could lead to medical complications, this label holds little meaning without government regulation.
The parent-consumer advocacy organization, Made Safe, encourages consumers to investigate for themselves which products have been produced without known toxic materials. One indication that potentially hazardous materials could be present is when a product claims it is antimicrobial, antibacterial, or fragranced, which implies chemical use. Products made from natural materials present safer choices for parents.
Compensation for Toxic Exposure Injuries
Exposure to toxins can cause permanent disabilities and chronic medical conditions. In some cases, the adverse health effects from toxic exposure can take years to appear, often leading to misdiagnosis and missed opportunities for treatment. Individuals suffering from the effects of toxic exposure often face significant medical expenses, including the costs of medical treatment, hospital stays, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and prescription drugs. Individuals can suffer severe financial stress due to an inability to work. By holding those companies responsible, injured individuals can receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Manufacturers of products made with toxic materials are not the only companies facing potential liability for toxic exposure injuries. The companies that distribute, design, market, and label toxic school supplies may also owe compensation to exposure victims. Given the complexities involved in bringing a civil lawsuit for toxic exposure, injured individuals should consult with an experienced chemical and toxic exposure lawyer to help them navigate the legal system.
Dover Chemical and Toxic Exposure Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Obtain Compensation for Individuals Suffering Toxic Exposure Injuries
If you or a loved one developed serious medical conditions following exposure to dangerous toxins, the experienced Dover chemical and toxic exposure injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help. With offices conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we proudly serve individuals throughout the state, including those in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. To schedule a free initial consultation today, call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online.