Toxic Waste Facility Dangers
As hazardous waste facilities continue to grow and provide support for
different industries, new precautions must be taken when regulating workplace
activity. Many facility workers are exposed to deadly toxins, dangerous
leaks, and other
Toxic Waste Facility Dangers
As hazardous waste facilities continue to grow and provide support for
different industries, new precautions must be taken when regulating workplace
activity. Many facility workers are exposed to deadly toxins, dangerous
leaks, and other hazards that put their health in jeopardy. People in
the local public and surrounding areas also face the threat of toxic leaks
or improper disposal, which has led to detrimental results in the past.
Facilities in North Carolina, West Virginia, and other states have recently
been spotlighted in the news for exposing the public to toxic substances
due to leaks or spills.
Hazardous waste can be a byproduct of the following:
- Industrial Plants
- Septic Systems
- Auto Shops or Garages
Facilities that handle dangerous and toxic waste are even more at risk
for causing their workers to suffer health problems due to prolonged exposure
and other issues. Workers may not be properly trained or equipped to handle
the level of waste being stored or handled at a facility. This can lead
to horrible results—including permanent health damage and prolonged
illness for the workers and, in the worst cases, wrongful death.
Handling Hazardous Waste
Toxic waste puts humans, animals, and plants in danger. For this reason,
the need for toxic waste facilities has become increasingly prominent.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the handling of hazardous
waste by these types of facilities. They require that toxic materials
be handled with certain precautions and disposed of properly.
There are several methods that are considered safe for storing waste, including:
- Waste Piles
- Sealed Containers
- Concrete, Steel, or Fiberglass Tanks
- Containment Building
If any one of these storage areas are incorrectly sealed or contained,
it can result in dangerous exposure for both workers and area residents.
In some cases, incompatible waste is stored together, which causes dangerous
reactions that may initially go unnoticed, but later result in deadly
exposure. The risk of waste mix-ups or placement mistakes puts many people
at risk—with the proximity of the worker handling such materials
at even greater risk.
Exposed to toxic waste in the workplace?
From lung cancer to permanent brain damage, all types of injuries can result
from both isolated and prolonged toxic exposure. It is estimated that
close to 100,000 deaths occur from toxic exposure or related incidents.
Unfortunately, it may take many years to recognize the effects of this
exposure—making it even more difficult to get the necessary medical
attention and support. If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic
waste in the workplace, be sure to seek counsel as soon as possible. Arnold
& Itkin has handled countless numbers of cases and recovered billions
Contact an industrial injury lawyer from our firm today to discuss your toxic waste claim!