KazanLaw: Helping Asbestos Victims Since 1974
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What should I do if I have been exposed to a toxic chemical?

The Firm is a law office, not a doctor's office or hospital. However, we recommend that you consider doing the following things promptly:

  • » go to a health professional and tell him or her about this exposure,
  • » make sure that you are not still exposed by asserting your rights to a safe and healthful workplace, and, if necessary, protecting yourself from exposure,
  • » monitor your health closely, and
  • » if you are thinking about filing a lawsuit or workers' compensation claim, contact an attorney promptly. Certain deadlines (called statutes of limitations) may apply, and they limit the time during which you can file a claim.

WORKSAFE! is a good resource from which to obtain more information about occupational health and safety if you are currently exposed to toxics in your line of work.

Concerns about the release of toxic materials have arisen in the wake of the September 11, 2001 disaster in New York City. There has been much discussion about the degree to which the public is at risk due to exposure to dust, toxic debris and asbestos. Due to the often conflicting information regarding the health consequences for residents and workers, please consult this clearinghouse information resource. In August 2003, the EPA's Office of Inspector General release a report criticising EPA's post-9/11 performance, including the lack of public warnings about the presence of air-borne asbestos. The EPA had released many reassuring press releases concerning air quality when, in fact, it had no data to support such pronouncements. See OIG's report "EPA's Response to the World Trade Center Collapse" (Rept. No. 2003-P-00012).

 

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