Texas Offshore Accident Lawyer
Exposure to Toxic Materials
As a seaman or maritime worker in a related field, you are no doubt aware of the physical dangers your jobsite presents. What you may not be aware of is the risk of disease due to toxic exposure while working offshore. Toxic exposure doesn't typically happen suddenly, so it may be difficult to notice. Most often, offshore workers develop illnesses after prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals they encounter at their worksites. Types of illnesses you can contract are dependent on what your particular job duties are. Many offshore workers may be exposed to benzene, silica, asbestos, and vinyl chloride which can cause a worker to develop mesothelioma or another type of pulmonary/respiratory disease.
- Benzene: This type of chemical takes on many different forms, because it is often used in combination with other chemicals. It may pollute the air at your jobsite through machine exhaust and it may be present in some cleaning supplies. Benzene has been linked to cancer and other illnesses such as a diminished immune system or anemia.
- Silicosis: This is a type of disease that is contracted by prolonged exposure to silica (usually ingested into the lungs). If you are a shipyard worker, you may be exposed to silica by way of sandblasting procedures. When silica dust is inhaled, the lungs react by becoming scarred. This lung scarring may make breathing difficult. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and flu symptoms, among others.
- Vinyl chloride: This particular type of chemical is used to manufacture plastics and is widely used. The United States Department of Health has publicly announced that exposure to this chemical may cause cancer and other diseases.
- Asbestos: Many are familiar with asbestos and know that it leads to mesothelioma. If you know you are exposed or think you may be exposed to asbestos at your worksite and do not possess adequate respiratory protection, you shouldn't be afraid to contact someone to remedy the situation.
How a Texas Offshore Illness Attorney Can Help
By law, your employer is required to provide a safe working environment for all employees. "Safe" working environments can be developed by providing proper protective equipment. In the case of toxic exposure, your employer should not only make you aware of the particular chemicals you are working with and their possible health risks, they should also provide you with respiratory protection so that you do not inhale any dangerous chemicals. If you have developed an illness while working at your offshore workplace, then you should seek legal help from a Texas offshore injury attorney at Arnold & Itkin immediately. Your employer is responsible for your health, so if you developed an illness while under their care, you should seek legal help.
Contact a Texas offshore illness attorney from our firm today to see how we can help you.