Protection of the environment is a hot topic in today’s political climate, with many people arguing that no protections are needed from pollution. However, environmental pollution does more than simply affect our surroundings, but can directly affect our health in very serious and sometimes even deadly ways. Far too often, companies and corporations are directly responsible for environmental pollution that results in serious and long-term illness for those exposed. There are many specific ways that companies recklessly pollute the environment and endanger people’s health and lives, all of which should result in legal liability. Some of these types of pollution and their hazardous health effects are listed below.
- Dust Hazards. Dust exposure: Especially silica dust, can penetrate your lungs and can sometimes cause fatal lung diseases like silicosis and lung cancer as well as a number of other respiratory illnesses such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This type of toxic dust is a product of many industries, including construction, glass production, dental laboratories, foundries, concrete production, and much more. Another example is asbestos, the fibrous, silica mineral linked to the cancer mesothelioma. When companies like these do not take necessary precautions to prevent the air pollution of toxic dust which may be breathed in by their employees or bystanders, they can be held liable for their actions and brought to justice for their negligence.
- Mismanagement of Waste Products: Mismanagement of waste products can have a number of serious environmental and health effects, especially if they leak into a public water supply or public space. This type of water pollution, in particular, can wreak havoc on your health, especially if you drink polluted water. Chemicals, detergents, food waste products, toxic sludge, and certain metals like lead, can all contribute to water pollution. Drinking water with these waste pollutants can lead to a number of long-term issues, particularly developmental problems in children, reproductive issues, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological disorders. Many of these illnesses are irreversible and can permanently damage a person’s health and quality of life.
- Dangerous Chemical Exposure: Far too often, companies mismanage dangerous chemicals by improperly disposing of them, letting them leak into public air and water spaces, or a number of other ways. Exposure to certain chemicals as the result of pollution and waste can cause a number of serious illnesses. Exposure to pesticides, for example, can result in cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine issues in the long term. In addition, acute exposure to these chemicals can result in poisoning that may be fatal.
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If you or a loved one has suffered illness or injury as the result of environmental pollution from the negligence of a company, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced New York defective drugs and products attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP are here to help. Pollution can result in a variety of illnesses that can leave its victims in physical, emotional, and financial distress. If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our qualified environmental toxic tort attorneys, please contact us at (212) 779-0057 today.