Toxic Exposure

Every day, Americans use chemicals that may be dangerous or even deadly, yet we rarely think about the risk involved. Automobiles, printing equipment, even the carpeting in our homes can contain potentially hazardous chemicals. Most people do not realize how dangerous many of these everyday substances are until they have been sickened by them.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to a toxic chemical, you should know that you may be entitled to compensation for your illness or injury. Someone else might be liable for your pain and suffering. You should contact an attorney immediately to discuss your situation.

Fort Lauderdale Toxic Exposure Attorneys

The attorneys at Levine & Glassman, P.A., are experienced at representing victims of toxic exposure. Our attorneys understand what is necessary to maintain a viable personal injury claim. We can assess your situation and help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you have been the victim of toxic exposure in Southeast Florida, you should contact us today at (954) 332-6100 or fill out our online case evaluation form.

Toxic Exposure Information Center

• What are some toxic chemicals, and where are they used/found?
• What are the symptoms of toxic exposure?
• What diseases might be the result of toxic exposure?
• What if I've been exposed to asbestos?
• What should I do if I believe I have been exposed to toxic chemicals?
• Where can I find additional information on exposure to toxic materials?
• What can Levine & Glassman, P.A. do for me?

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Common Toxic Chemicals

The reality is that most of us are surrounded by potentially dangerous chemicals every day. In small doses, most of these substances are harmless. But long-term or heavy exposure to these chemicals might cause severe health consequences. It is important to be aware of some of the most common toxic chemicals and where they might be found so that you can limit your exposure to them as much as possible.

• Butadiene: commonly found in carpeting and rug liners, rubber products, gasoline and nylon
• Acetone: adhesives
• Benzene: plastics, gasoline, smoke and diesel exhaust
• BHT: plastic food containers
• Carbon Monoxide: smoke, exhaust
• Dioxins: pesticides, herbicides
• Ethanol: glue
• Glycol Ethers: antifreeze, adhesives, dyes and inks
• Methanol: cement, inks, antifreeze, glue
• Nitrogen dioxide: incinerators, stoves, diesel and auto emissions
• Ozone: incinerators, photocopiers, diesel and auto emissions
• PCBs: plastics, paints, adhesives, coolants, flame retardants
• Solvents: laboratories, glues, thinners, dyes
• Trichloroethylene: dry cleaning, spray paint, inks, insecticides

These are only some of the most commonly encountered chemicals. Those who work in construction, trucking, printing or manufacturing are the most at risk for being exposed to these chemicals, but no one is completely safe. If you believe you have been exposed to a toxic substance, and that exposure has caused you to become sick, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately.

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Symptoms of Toxic Exposure

It may be difficult to determine if you have been exposed to a toxic chemical. Symptoms may be mild, or may not appear until hours or days after exposure. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

• Eye irritation
• Heart palpitations/irregularities
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache or feeling lightheaded
• Weakness
• Tearing
• Diarrhea or stomach cramps
• Coughing or wheezing
• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness

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Diseases that May Result from Toxic Exposure

Some serious diseases can result from toxic exposure. These are not the only diseases that someone who has been exposed to toxic substances might develop, and just because you have one of these diseases does not mean that you have been exposed. However, these are some of the most common diseases that victims of toxic exposure are at risk of developing.

• Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung damage
• Brain damage
• Liver damage
• Birth defects
• Bronchial damage
• Heart damage/heart attack
• Nerve damage
• Death

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Asbestos, Mesothelioma, and Workplace Toxic Exposure

Asbestos, a class of minerals valued for their fire-resistant, non-conductive properties, was once used for a wide variety of purposes in commercial and residential construction. However, for the very same reasons the material was prized, it began slowly affecting the workers who were exposed to it. The microscopic fibers of asbestos would float through the air, invisibly infecting the exposed worker's lungs; this presence of asbestos would create conditions that cause a condition known as mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that generally affects the lining of the lungs and is caused by inflammation and infection by asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma may also manifest in the stomach, heart, or, in rare cases, the testicles. Symptoms of mesothelioma lie dormant for a number of years before surfacing as symptoms that resemble more mild conditions; pleural mesothelioma (occurring in the lungs) often leads to symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

There have been asbestos advisories in place since the mid-1970's, but mesothelioma takes many years to manifest. If you've been exposed to asbestos, especially in a workplace situation, you may be entitled to compensation from your employer or other entities for the damages you've suffered.

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What to Do After a Toxic Exposure

It may be difficult to determine whether you have been exposed to a toxic chemical. However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of exposure or have any other reason to believe you have been exposed, you should take the following steps immediately:

• Get away from the chemical immediately. Move to fresh air. If your clothing has the chemical on it, remove the clothing and rinse the skin with large amounts of water. If the chemical is in your eyes, flush your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. If you have swallowed or ingested the substance, DO NOT induce vomiting until directed to do so by poison control or a medical professional.

• Do not touch other people or enter buildings or crowded places until you have removed contaminated clothing and rinsed the chemicals from your skin. This will prevent spreading the contamination to others.

• Call the Poison Control Center. Their toll free number is 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control can give you further instructions.

• If anyone is ill or injured, seek medical attention immediately.

• Once the immediate emergency is over and medical care has been sought, contact an experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney. Your attorney can help you decide whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

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Toxic Exposure Resources

Poison Control - The American Association of Poison Control Center’s website

Florida Poison Info Center

1611 NW 12th Ave # 3
Miami, FL 33136-1005
(305) 585-5250

Citizens Against Toxic Exposure - Citizens’ group dedicated to cleaning up a Florida super-fund site and preventing toxic exposure in Florida

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How We Can Help

The attorneys at Levine & Glassman, P.A., understand that you have a variety of questions. Is your injury due to exposure to a toxic chemical? Is someone else responsible for your exposure to a toxic chemical? Are you entitled to compensation for your illness or injury? Our attorneys can walk you through the entire process and help you assess all of your options. If you do have a claim, our attorneys will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Levine & Glassman represent clients all over Southeast Florida, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas. Your time for filing your personal injury claim is limited. If you have become ill following exposure to a toxic substance, contact our attorneys today at (954) 332-6100 or fill out our online case evaluation form.