BP Oil Spill and Toxic Chemical Exposure

By Segal Law Firm   Feb. 28, 2011 9:19p

The clean up efforts from the Gulf Oil spill are still ongoing and the most recent tragedy being exposed is the premature deaths of baby dolphins. In an online article written by Jimmy Mengel on June 21^st 2010 entitled "BP Spill Workers Exposed to Toxic Chemicals," he covers the point that thousands of workers which include national guardsmen, clean up workers and even prisoners are being exposed to toxic chemicals while scooping up oil, disposing of tar balls and cleaning oil off of pelicans. A report from Sciencecorps was referenced that gives details on the ill effects that are occurring with workers involved in the cleanup.

Toxic Effects on the Body

Not only are people experiencing damage from the oil itself but from the toxic effects of the chemical dispersants which are being used to mitigate the oil's damage. Respiratory damage, nerve damage and other physical problems are showing up and it can be anticipated that more problems may show up with delayed reaction and lead to a variety of diseases.  Dozens of workers have been hospitalized with symptoms of chemical exposure which include dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting and other adverse reactions.

Benzene, a known carcinogen has been detected in the environment in varying amounts along with hydrogen sulfides otherwise known as swamp gas. In the Sciencecorps report it was suggested that workers need to be better informed of the hazards involved with the adverse effects of chemical exposure and that the Federal Government has been lacking in providing sufficient information in this area to the general public or the health community. Many clean up workers are not wearing protective clothing or masks and according to information from the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, hydrogen sulfites can even cause rapid unconsciousness and death if inhaled in high concentrations.

Local Toxic Hazards

In West Virginia, there are a large number of industries that expose workers to toxic chemicals and companies have the legal responsibility to protect those workers and the general public from exposure. When proper precautions are not taken, serious injury can result and people can be damaged for life.
 If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic chemicals in West Virginia, you need to consult with a  West Virginia attorney who can assist you in pursuing a personal injury claim. At the Segal Law Firm, we have lawyers who will aggressively fight for your right to receive compensation to cover expenses that have resulted or may result in the future.  

Feel free to contact a West Virginia toxic chemical lawyer in our office to set up a consultation at no charge and we will go over the details of your case.