Every day, people go about their lives with the general assumption that the buildings they live and work in, the products they use, and the food they eat will be safe. However, just about any of these things could potentially be contaminated with toxic chemicals, which can cause potential illness or injury, and even cause long-term health problems. But how could you be exposed to toxic chemicals in your daily life?

What Are Toxic Chemicals?

Toxic chemicals are any kind of substance that has a negative effect on the health of the people exposed to them. Some of these chemicals cause harm by being ingested by eating or drinking them, while others may be inhaled. In some cases, even mere exposure to bare skin can be enough to cause harm to someone exposed to these chemicals, causing burns or rashes on contact.

What Kinds of Toxic Chemicals Could You Encounter in Daily Life?

Toxic chemicals are surprisingly common in many areas of life. Certain chemicals, like benzene or phthalates, are commonly used in industrial processes, and thus can be found in many kinds of consumer products. Heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, can often be encountered in certain types of toxic waste, and old buildings may contain toxic building materials. Food and medicine can also become contaminated with toxins as a result of errors in the manufacturing process, causing them to become dangerous to consume.

How Can Toxic Chemicals Potentially Harm You?

Toxic chemicals can cause a wide variety of potential health problems, depending on the specific chemical. Some can have immediate and obvious negative health consequences, such as potential organ damage due to exposure to high levels of benzene. Others, however, may not show the damage they cause until months or years later, manifesting as cancer or other long-term health problems that may require treatment for years, or even potentially a person’s entire life. These effects are especially dangerous to children, who are particularly vulnerable to certain types of toxins and who may be affected developmentally due to toxic exposure.

What Should You Do if You Are Exposed to Toxic Chemicals?

If you or someone you love has been exposed to toxic chemicals, your first course of action is to immediately seek medical attention. This will not only help to address your health problems, it can also establish evidence of medical damages in any ensuing legal battles. You should also contact a lawyer with experience handling personal injury claims, who can help you go over your potential options and ensure you get justice for the harm you have suffered.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.