Learning About the Most Common Types of Toxic Exposure at Construction Sites

New York City has many minor and major construction projects ongoing each day. Thousands upon thousands of construction workers are needed to keep the projects afloat and the city growing. Yet while the job is essential, it can also be quite dangerous. In addition to falls, electrocutions and other hazards, construction sites can also include serious risks of toxic exposure.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of toxic exposures found at construction sites.

Asbestos

A known carcinogen, asbestos is responsible for more than 15,000 deaths annually. Though the FDA has attempted to ban asbestos on multiple occasions, it has never been fully successful. The US is one of only a few industrialized nations without an asbestos ban. Asbestos can be found in floor tile, pipes and other construction materials.

Formaldehyde

Another known carcinogen, formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant and can cause asthma-like problems after exposure. It can be commonly found in carpets and plywood.

Flame Retardants

This is an umbrella term for a variety of chemicals used to slow or prevent the spread of fire. Related to birth defects and cancer, flame retardants are often found in textiles and insulation.

Silica

A dust-like component of bricks, glass and concrete, silica can enter the lungs and cause a variety of serious lung disease, including silicosis and cancer.

Other potential vectors for toxicity include:

• Dust
• Mold
• Solvents
• Gasoline
• Carbon Monoxide
• Hot tar
• Industrial cleaners
• Lead

Given the vast number of potentially toxic materials found on the typical construction site, it’s imperative that workers exercise considerable caution on the job. In cases where a worksite operator is being negligent, it often becomes necessary to alert the relevant authorities and contact a personal injury attorney. The right attorney can help walk you through the next steps to take if you have been injured through toxic exposure.

Why Choose The Frankel Law Firm?

At the Frankel Law Firm, we’ve been fighting for the rights of injured persons for more than 40 years. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at (212) 888-5100 or at https://frankellawfirm.com. All plaintiff construction site injury cases which are accepted are on a contingency basis which means that there will be no attorneys fee unless successful. Given the coronavirus pandemic, we can arrange for a free consultation by Facetime, Zoom, Skype or WhatsApp. Please feel free to give us a call.

We welcome your legal questions for topically relevant articles in the future. Feel free to compose a question – it may be addressed in future articles. Email Question