If you are experiencing symptoms after exposure to an environmental toxin, you may need help to seek justice. Our team doesn’t settle for excuses and corporate gamesmanship. We fight for answers and get results. We’ve secured more than 165 seven-figure verdicts and settlements, totaling more than hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation. Let us fight for you.
If you believe you have suffered injury or illness after exposure to dangerous toxins in your environment, we can help. Call Fieger Law today at (800) 294-6637 or fill out our online contact form.
WHAT ARE ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS?
Common environmental toxins include materials like:
ASBESTOS
Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring until the 1980s. It was also prevalent in shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and certain industrial processes. Unfortunately, asbestos still exists in structures across the country since it was used for almost a century, and some new materials may legally contain trace amounts of asbestos even today.
Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, can become airborne and easily inhaled or ingested. Prolonged exposure to asbestos is linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Despite its known dangers, asbestos use was widespread until regulations began restricting its use in the late 20th century. Chrysotile asbestos (used in the chlor-alkali industry) was not banned until 2024.
BENZENE
Benzene is found in various industrial processes, including petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, and rubber production. It is also present in tobacco smoke and automobile exhaust.
Benzene is a known carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Chronic exposure to benzene can damage bone marrow and disrupt blood cell production. Regulatory measures aim to limit benzene emissions and occupational exposure, but risks persist in certain industries and environmental contexts.
MANGANESE
Manganese exposure occurs in mining, welding, steel production, and battery manufacturing. It is also present in certain dietary supplements and drinking water sources.
Chronic exposure to manganese can lead to neurological disorders, such as manganism, characterized by symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Inhalation of manganese dust or fumes poses risks to workers in industrial settings. Regulatory standards seek to mitigate manganese exposure in occupational and environmental settings.
BERYLLIUM
Beryllium is used in the aerospace, electronics, nuclear energy, and defense industries. It is commonly found in manufacturing processes involving metals, ceramics, and electronic components.
Inhalation of beryllium dust or fumes can cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), a debilitating lung condition that causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. CBD can lead to respiratory impairment and disability. Regulatory agencies have established exposure limits and safety protocols to protect workers from beryllium-related health risks.
CREOSOTE
Creosote is used as a wood preservative in railroad ties, utility poles, and marine structures. It is also present in certain consumer products, such as wood treatment formulations.
Exposure to creosote, primarily through inhalation or skin contact, can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and neurological symptoms. Long-term exposure to creosote compounds is associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly skin and lung cancer. Regulatory measures aim to restrict creosote use and implement safety precautions in handling and disposal practices.
GASOLINE
Gasoline is widely used as a fuel for automobiles, machinery, and equipment in the transportation, construction, and industrial sectors.
Gasoline contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, which pose health risks through inhalation and skin contact. Chronic exposure to gasoline fumes is associated with respiratory problems, neurological effects, and increased cancer risk. Regulatory standards aim to control emissions and limit exposure to gasoline vapors in occupational and environmental settings.
LEAD PAINT
Lead-based paint was commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings until its phase-out in the late 1970s. It may still be present in older structures.
Lead exposure from deteriorating lead-based paint, dust, or soil can lead to lead poisoning, particularly in children. Lead poisoning can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and neurological damage. Regulatory efforts focus on lead abatement and prevention strategies to reduce exposure risks in homes, schools, and workplaces.
MOLD
Mold growth can occur in damp or poorly ventilated environments, including buildings, homes, and agricultural settings. It thrives on organic materials such as wood, paper, and fabric.
Exposure to mold spores and toxins can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and worsen asthma symptoms. Certain mold species produce mycotoxins, which can cause more severe health effects, including neurological and immune system disorders. Regulatory guidelines address mold prevention, remediation, and indoor air quality standards to help reduce the health risks associated with mold exposure.
PERCHLORATE
Perchlorate is used in rocket propellants, fireworks, explosives, and certain industrial processes. It can also contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources.
Perchlorate exposure can interfere with thyroid function, particularly in pregnant women, infants, and children. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolism, growth, and development. Regulatory efforts aim to limit perchlorate contamination in water sources and establish safe drinking water standards to protect public health.
PESTICIDES
Pesticides are used in agriculture, pest control, and landscaping.
Exposure to pesticides can pose acute and chronic health risks, including neurological, respiratory, and reproductive effects. Certain pesticides are known carcinogens or endocrine disruptors, affecting hormone balance and reproductive health. Regulatory agencies oversee pesticide registration, usage guidelines, and safety standards to minimize human and environmental exposure risks.
PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD
Pressure-treated wood is used in outdoor construction, including decks, fences, and playground structures. It is treated with chemicals to resist decay and insect damage.
Chemicals such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) used in pressure-treated wood can leach into the surrounding soil and water, posing risks to human health and the environment. Exposure to these chemicals through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion can lead to toxicity and long-term health effects, including cancer. Measures are being taken to restrict the use of certain wood preservatives and promote alternative materials in construction projects.
SILICOSIS
Silicosis occurs in industries such as mining, quarrying, construction, and foundry work where workers are exposed to silica dust generated during cutting, drilling, or grinding operations.
Inhalation of crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, a progressive and irreversible lung disease that causes inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. Silicosis increases the risk of respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and other respiratory conditions. Standards and workplace safety protocols aim to control silica dust exposure and protect workers from occupational health hazards.
WELDING ROD FUMES
Welding rod fumes are generated during welding and metal fabrication processes in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
Exposure to welding rod fumes can result in metal fume fever, respiratory irritation, and long-term health issues, including lung damage and neurological disorders. Welding fumes contain hazardous substances such as manganese, chromium, and nickel compounds, which pose health risks through inhalation and skin contact. Regulatory measures focus on ventilation controls, personal protective equipment, and occupational exposure to hopefully minimize welding fume hazards in workplaces.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS?
Common symptoms caused by an environmental toxin include:
- Respiratory (coughing, choking, breathing problems)
- Dermatological (rashes, itching, redness)
- Gastrointestinal (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
- Physical (fatigue, hearing loss, organ damage, cancer, back pain)
- Neurological (headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures)
- Reproductive (infertility, miscarriage, birth defects)
Exposure to dangerous substances can be life-threatening. Let our team at Fieger Law help get you the monetary damages you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, future costs, and pain and suffering.
Evidence for Building a Successful Claim
Compiling comprehensive evidence is critical to building a strong case for toxin exposure. This evidence may include:
- Medical Records: Documenting diagnoses, treatments, and health effects related to your toxin exposure.
- Environmental Reports: Gathering data on the presence and levels of toxins in the affected area or workplace.
- Witness Testimonies: Testimonials from individuals who can attest to the conditions of exposure and its impact on their health.
- Expert Opinions: Consulting with environmental scientists, toxicologists, and medical experts to establish the link between exposure and the resulting health effects.
Navigating the complexities of toxin exposure litigation requires specialized knowledge. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, access environmental experts, advocate on your behalf, and help secure the compensation and justice you deserve. At Fieger Law, we are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the rights of toxin exposure victims.
FIEGER LAW: NATIONALLY-RENOWNED ENVIRONMENTAL TOXIN LAWYERS—FIGHTING FOR YOU
For over 70 years, the environmental toxin experts at Fieger Law have fought for victims’ rights. If you or a family member has suffered from exposure to a toxic substance, Geoffrey Fieger and the expert Michigan attorneys at Fieger Law can help. Contact Michigan’s top law firm specializing in these cases today to schedule a free consultation.
Our environmental toxin lawyers in Michigan will review your case for free, investigate the cause of your illness, and fight for the compensation you need.
