Is Your Job Putting Your Health at Risk?

While we may not think daily about the quality of the air we breathe, air quality is important to a person’s long-term health. This includes spending time in an area without proper ventilation or an area with above permissible exposure limits for toxins. Construction sites are notoriously dangerous places for toxins due to the materials used such as asbestos, benzene, and lead. If you are concerned you may have been exposed to hazardous materials without proper protection it is important that you speak with toxic exposure lawyers. You’ll want to file a lawsuit so that you are properly compensated and are able to receive treatments for any related diseases.

Steelworkers and Asbestos

Because of its heat resistant qualities, asbestos was used in steel mills up until the 1980s. It could be found in the building structure, equipment, and even the protective gear worn by steel mill workers. Asbestos exposure still remains a danger for those working in older steel mills today.

If you know you’ve been exposed to asbestos through your work, you’ll want to consider contacting an asbestos lawyer. Once airborne, asbestos fibers can get trapped inside the lungs, causing inflammation, or even lung cancer and Mesothelioma. These health concerns, along with others, can cost a considerable amount to treat. Speak to a doctor if you’ve been in contact with asbestos. Filing a lawsuit may be necessary to offset costs and make sure others aren’t harmed due to similar conditions.

Exposure to asbestos is a concern for any construction job that requires demolitions or renovations of, older buildings. It can be found in roofing shingles, insulation, drywall, and more. This also puts plumbers, roofers, and other industries at risk.

Painters and Benzene

Whether it’s base paint, spray paint, lacquer, or another variant, paint typically uses the chemical benzene as a solvent. It is a highly-flammable chemical and, similar to asbestos, exposure to benzene above the permissible levels can have negative consequences on your health. If you work as a painter and you haven’t been provided with proper respiratory protection, speak with a toxic exposure lawyer who handles benzene cases to discuss your situation and your rights to file a claim.

Benzene is not exclusive to paint and can be found as a solvent in other products such as glue adhesives. Check which chemicals you are using at your job and ensure you are being provided with proper protection. Health bills to treat benzene exposure can be expensive because the solvent causes a person’s cells to stop functioning properly. It’s important to protect yourself from the financial burdens and prevent others from being similarly exposed. Speaking with a lawyer who specializes in toxic exposure is the first step if you think you’re a victim of benzene due to your construction job.

Other Toxins

Asbestos and benzene aren’t the only other toxins that exist in the construction industry. For example, welders are at risk for lead poisoning and carpenters should be careful around adhesives that contain formaldehyde. Anytime you are around toxins above their permissible levels it can have negative consequences on your health. Should you find you’ve been exposed, talking with a toxic exposure lawyer is an important first step.