Some Chemicals, Like Ethylene Oxide, Used for Different Industrial Purposes Pose Severe Health Risks, Provoking Several Injuries and Even Cancer
Many chemical advancements have made products safer over the years, providing sterilization and antibacterial support that has reduced the spread of disease and contaminants. However, some of these chemicals, including ethylene oxide, while providing a sterilization service and thus being used across many industries, carry their own severe risks of harm. Improper exposure to ethylene oxide can lead to tragic consequences such as cancer, reproductive issues, and more. If you have become ill after being exposed to ethylene oxide in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, contact our legal team at Cohen & Riechelson to learn your rights. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the financial and personal hardships you have experienced due to this harmful chemical compound are fairly and completely compensated.
Ethylene Oxide Industry Applications in NJ
Ethylene oxide is a chemical compound consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that is a flammable gas. This gas is used by many industries to make a number of different products, including sterilizers, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides, and more.
Multiple Ways Ethylene Oxide Exposure Can Happen
Ethylene oxide, which has a subtly sweet odor, can cause damage to the body system even with minimal exposure. Depending upon the form in which the ethylene oxide is, exposure can happen in various ways. The chemical compound can go into the eyes or interface with the skin, creating risk if not removed immediately. Inhaling or swallowing ethylene oxide in large quantities can also cause damage.
Know How to Identify Ethylene Oxide Side Effects
Side effects of ethylene oxide exposure include headaches, fatigue, skin burns, nerve damage, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, loss of memory, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risks.
Ethylene Oxide Exposure Linked to Different Cancer Types
Ethylene oxide does cause some forms of cancer more commonly, though cancer risk is widespread in the body due to ethylene oxide exposure. The most common forms of cancer associated with ethylene oxide exposure are leukemia and lymphoma, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, other forms of cancer, including stomach cancer, myeloma, and breast cancer, can also result from extensive exposure to the chemical compound.
Who Regulates Ethylene Oxide Emissions in NJ?
Ethylene oxide emissions are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Because ethylene oxide is a known carcinogen, the EPA regulates two specific areas of ethylene oxide emissions: air emissions under the Clean Air Act and pesticide use under the Federal Fungicide, Insecticide, and Rodenticide Act. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration also sets a permissible limit of exposure (PELs) for ethylene oxide and other harmful substances.
Top Precautions for Reducing the Dangers of Ethylene Oxide Exposure
In order to avoid the dangerous side effects of ethylene oxide exposure, it is important to take necessary safety precautions when coming into contact with the substance. Wear face protection gear such as face shields and safety goggles, as well as proper skin protection. Protect not only your hands and immediately exposed skin but also your clothes from being touched, using aprons and full-body suits. If you are dealing with a form of chemical compound that is likely to emit fumes, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Legal Rights and Compensation Options Available for Ethylene Oxide Exposure Victims
Ethylene oxide exposure, particularly airborne, can put not only employees of the companies using the substance at risk of illness and injury but also nearby residents. If you experience this type of injury, you have the right to recover financial damages, including all short- and long-term related medical expenses, lost wages, long-term disability, associated out-of-pocket costs, and non-economic pain and suffering. You can also recover financial damages associated with the wrongful death of a loved one if their exposure to ethylene oxide led to a life-ending illness.
Trust Our Personal Injury Lawyers to Assist if You Suffered Injuries From Ethylene Oxide Exposure in New Jersey
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits involving ethylene oxide exposure, you need the skilled support of a personal injury attorney to ensure that you build a strong case. Proving that ethylene oxide exposure directly caused your illness or injury can be a difficult case to make, as negligence or product liability failure must be shown. Because your financial capacity to support your long-term health is in the hands of this lawsuit, you can’t afford to not have quality legal counsel at your back.
Our lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson have ample experience successfully representing clients in Lambertville, Princeton, East Windsor, Titusville, Trenton, Hopewell, and towns in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Burlington County, and throughout New Jersey in personal injury due to exposure lawsuits. Contact us today at (609) 528-2596 for a free consultation to get started on the road to physical and financial health once more.
