A recent study published in January 2017 by Oxford University Press reports that workers who manufacture BPA (BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s), show highly elevated levels of the chemical in their bodies. The study was the first to evaluate production of the chemical BPA, which is widely used in the production of plastic products. While there are currently, no workplace limits for BPA in the U.S., the study has shed light on how toxins can easily be absorbed into the body in the workplace and cause injury to workers. Many workplace injury lawsuits continue to be filed each year in the U.S. due to contact with dangerous chemicals. These injuries could in turn lead to Cranston Workers’ Compensation Claims.

How do Dangerous Chemicals Cause Injury?

In order to cause an injury, chemicals must come into contact with a person’s body in some way. There are four general ways that this can happen:

  1. Inhalation of the toxin;
  2. Contact with skin;
  3. Ingestion into digestive system; and
  4. Injection into the body.

Once certain chemicals come into contact with a person, they can effect the body and often cause injuries, such as chemical burns, inflammation, and even certain types of cancer. In many cases, workers may not even know that they are being exposed to toxins. Injury by inhalation has been shown to be one very common cause of chemical injury that often goes unnoticed.

What are Some Examples of Chemical Exposure in the Workplace?

worker wearing mask to prevent inhaling toxic chemicalsChemical use is most prevalent in the manufacturing industry, putting manufacturing employees at the highest risk for exposure and ultimately injury. Some examples include fumes and dust from chemicals such as beryllium. Breathing in this substance can ultimately lead to disease of the lungs. Other toxins such as asbestos can also cause lung cancer and permanent damage to the lungs. The danger to workers increases based upon how much contact they have with these chemicals and for how long. Employers are required to protect workers by minimizing contact with toxin and providing the appropriate safety gear to prevent exposure.

Contact a Knowledgeable Cranston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Cranston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer meeting worker injured by chemicalsIf you or someone you know has been injured while at work in Cranston, our firm works with experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys right here in Rhode Island. You may be entitled to collect for workers’ compensation benefits for lost wages, medical bills and possibly a lump sum settlement, among other benefits. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us at 1-401-275-2039 or toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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