Protection of the environment is a hot topic in today’s political climate. Many people argue that no protections are needed from pollution. However, environmental pollution does more than affect our surroundings. It 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 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 which can penetrate your lungs and sometimes cause fatal lung diseases like silicosis and lung cancer. It can also cause other respiratory illnesses like asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This toxic dust is a product of many industries. Examples include construction, glass production, dental laboratories, foundries, and concrete production. 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 their employees or bystanders may breathe in, 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 many serious environmental and health effects. This is especially true if they leak into a public water supply or a 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 several 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: Companies often mismanage dangerous chemicals by improperly disposing of them. They let them leak into public air and water or many other ways. Exposure to certain chemicals due to pollution and waste can cause several 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 various 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 get in touch with us at (212) 779-0057 today.