Chemicals and Toxic Substances
New York Lawyers
Dangerous chemicals and toxic substances are a part of our daily lives, whether we want to think about it or not. Many products we buy and use in our homes, offices, cars, and even directly on our bodies all contain harmful chemical contents. As consumers we are only used to seeing the compounds as ingredients in common products which means the dangers are not usually not marketed on their own or under their true chemical name.
The news will often glorify stories regarding a major oil spill or a reaction at a nuclear power plant, and sometimes gloss over lesser important stories that continue to plague our society. If you feel you have been the victim of a chemical or toxic subtance exposure, below are some of the major health problems and contributing substances.
Health Problems:
Over the past decade, many of these chemicals and toxic substances have been linked to short-term and long-term health problems including:
- Chronic fatigue;
- Chronic illnesses and diseases;
- Birth defects;
- Miscarriages;
- Cancer(s);
- Death;
Highly Controversial Toxic Substances:
- Lead, and lead paint:
- Perhaps the most dangerous product of all, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, lead was banned from household projects beginning in 1978. By 1986, lead was restricted on the sale of faucets, pipes and similar materials.
- According to the Environmental Protection Agency, effective January 1, 1996, the Clean Air Act banned the sale of leaded fuel for use of on-road vehicles. However, leaded fuel continues to be used off-road vehicles, that include aircraft, race cars, farm vehicles, and marine equipment.
- Benzene;
- Cleaning solvents;
- Paint thinners;
- Chinese Drywall, asbestos, PVC pipes, and more;
- Insecticides and weed killers (herbicides);
- Pet products and toxic birdseed;
- Teflon;
- Phthalates (used in manufacting toys to cosmetics);
- Toxic airplane cabin air;
- Radiation;
- Oil spills;
- Creosote;
- Carbon monoxide;
- Gas leaks;
- Perchlorate;
- Tobacco smoke;
- Welding rod fumes;
- “Popcorn” lung (Diacetyl exposure);
- PCBs;
- Toxic landfills; and more.