Chemical exposure

Formaldehyde is chemical used in the workplace. This chemical has been linked to industrial injuries. This article will discuss formaldehyde exposure and workers’ compensation.

What Is Formaldehyde?

The CDC identifies Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature.

What Are the Medical Complications with Respect to Formaldyhyde Exposure?

Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes. Repeated exposure to formaldehyde can possibly lead to cancer. Cdc.gov

Can Workers Be Injured By Formaldehyde?

Workers may be harmed by exposure to formaldehyde. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and contact. In workers’ compensation, there is the concept of a cumulative trauma injury. Therefore, Injured Workers are allowed to claim an injury that occurs over a period of time. As such, a formaldehyde-related injury does not have to arise from a specific event, rather, it can also be due to working with the product over an extended period of time.

Where Are Workers Exposed to Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is used in many industries. It’s used in glues and resins, dyes, textiles, disinfectants, building materials, automobile parts, embalming, and laboratories. A variety of workers can be exposed to formaldehyde, this included agricultural workers, construction workers, plant workers who manufacture plastics, resin or foam insulation, morticians, and beauticians. Cdc.gov

The exposure can occur in many ways :“Formaldehyde was recognized as a human carcinogen by the IARC in 2004.³^,⁴ Also, it is a raw chemical that is frequently employed as a disinfectant and preservative in various industries.⁵ Additionally, it is one of the primary components of many building materials such as wallpaper, wood, and paint, and it may even be produced in activities such as cooking and using electrical appliances.³^,⁶ Pathologists, research and medical laboratory staffs are constantly exposed to gaseous formaldehyde because they use it as a tissue stabilizer, disinfectant, and preservative.⁷^,⁸^”Hadi A, Niaei A, Seifi A, Rasoulzadeh Y. The impact of operational factors on degradation of formaldehyde as a human carcinogen using Ag₃ PO₄ /TiO₂ photocatalyst. Health Promot Perspect. 2023 Apr 30;13(1):47-53. doi: 10.34172/hpp.2023.06. PMID: 37309430; PMCID: PMC10257563.

How Does An Injured Worker Know That They Have Been Exposed To Formaldehyde At Work?

One can ascertain this information by reading chemical labels as well as reading the Safety Data Sheets. Useful search terms for formaldehyde include “methanal,” “methyl aldehyde,” “methylene oxide.” Cdc.gov

How Does One Know To File a Claim?

The best initial step would be to consult with an attorney in such a matter. As a lawyer for workers’ compensation claims, I do not often give this advice. Chemical exposure claims, however, are different. Unlike other claims, a preliminary analysis of the facts and exposure can bring clarity as to whether there is a viable claim.

What if I Need Advice Regarding Workplace Formaldehyde Poisoning?

If you would like a free consultation regarding workers’ compensation, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. We have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their workers’ compensation cases for 30 years. Contact us today for more information.

Brave Public Servants rushed into the dangerous scene of a woman who was apparently in the act of committing suicide. During this rescue attempt, the workers into toxic chemicals that were in the women’s car. Two Police Officers and one EMS worker were injured as a result. dailymail.com It was reported that one of ill workers was taken to a local hospital.

This article will discuss the initial issues which relate to a toxic exposure case of this nature.

If A Worker Is Exposed to Unknown Chemicals And Is Injured, What Should They Do?

From a workers’ compensation perspective, the Injured Worker should immediately seek medical attention. It is important that they are tested for toxic chemicals. This may include both blood and urine testing. If possible, it is important to identify whether chemicals entered the Injured Worker’s body. Testing of this nature can take place at the Emergency Room or Hospital. Eventually, the Injured Worker will likely see a Toxicologist. They are medical specialists who address chemical exposures.

In This Instance, If There Was No Toxic Exposure, Would These Workers Still Have A Claim?

In California Workers’ Compensation law, an emotional or physiological reaction to an event can also be considered an injury. If the stress from this event caused a cardiovascular reaction, ie a sustained increase in blood pressure or chest pains, it possible that a work-related injury occurred. The ultimate determination would be from a medical professional. Likewise, this particular event, which included an individual apparently committing suicide, would certainly be considered as an emotionally stressful. This may be the basis for a psychiatric injury for which a mental health professional would be employed for a determination.

What if I Need Advice?

Category Archives: chemical exposure

FORMALDEHYDE AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW