Everyone is at risk for a toxic injury – harmful exposure to toxins occurs at work, at home, in the community, and outdoors. While the possibility for toxic exposure might be obvious in some situations, such as when a factory worker handles hazardous chemicals on a regular basis, many people do not realize that the potential for toxic injury can be just as great in the home or office. Most everyday household products contain toxic substances, and one report from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution. And within 26 seconds after exposure to chemical household products, traces of the chemicals can be found in every organ in the body. Personal care products such as makeup also present risk of toxicity. There are more than 10,000 chemicals used in cosmetics, but only 11% have been analyzed for health and safety by the Food and Drug Administration.
Toxic injury can sometimes be prevented by safe practices and limiting exposure to toxins. Once toxic injury occurs, it may cause immediate, serious symptoms (acute toxic injury) or the injury may not manifest itself until years later, when the person is diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer. Well-known examples of toxic injury are asbestosis, mesothelioma, lead poisoning, and radon poisoning. Mold exposure and “sick buildings” have also become more common in the past two decades. The possibility for successful treatment depends on the type of poisoning and the level of exposure. Legal claims of toxic injury are complex cases that often require expert testimony from several witnesses. However, when these “toxic torts” are successful, they can provide much-needed financial resources for plaintiffs and bring about important changes that benefit society, especially when an industry practice is to blame.
This Help Center is designed to help you learn more about toxic injuries and how to prevent them at work, at home, and in the community. This Help Center also offers information on the complex legal issues related to toxic injuries. To help you stay safe and educate yourself about toxic injuries, this Help Center is divided into five easy-to-read articles:
In each of these articles you will find expert analysis, key strategies, and bottom line advice to help you face the issues surrounding medical malpractice. By reading and putting this information into practice, you will become better-equipped to tackle any medical error problems you may face, and hopefully be able to avoid medical malpractice all together.