Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer - Toxic Substances

Mesothelioma caused by Asbestos exposure years ago

Greg Jones — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:58:47 GMT

Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Exposure Years Ago

What is Asbestos and what is its relationship to Mesothelioma?

It is well known that prolonged exposure to certain substances can have dire consequences. One such toxic substance is asbestos. Asbestos is the name given to a group of six naturally occurring minerals. However, don’t be fooled by the fact that they are “naturally occurring”. Exposure to asbestos can lead to a form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin lining surrounding the lung or the abdominal cavity. Asbestos fibers are widely used within many industries due to their ability to resist heat, fire, chemicals, and inability to conduct electricity. Materials containing asbestos become dangers once they are disturbed or deteriorated. Unfortunately, when asbestos breaks down into dust the microscopic fibers can be easily inhaled or digested into the body. Since asbestos fibers are so durable, they can stay in the body for years and result in asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. More importantly, symptoms do not usually appear until 10 to 30 years after the exposure. While the federal government has made attempts to regulate the levels of these toxic substances, it has been unable to eliminate all the hazards causing injury and death.

Who is at risk?

We are all exposed to small amount of asbestos just by breathing. However, those most at risk are individuals who are exposed to asbestos regularly. This includes:

People who work for companies that make or use asbestos products
People work in asbestos mining
People who live near industries or areas that are involved in the aforementioned activities
People involved in demolition, building, home repairs, and home remodeling
People drinking from asbestos-containing cement pipes

What products can asbestos be found in?

Insulation
Pipes
Furnace insulation
Roofing Shingles
Millboard
Textured Paint
Coating Materials
Floor Tiles
Paper Products
Car/Truck Brakes & Clutches
Buildings constructed in the 60’s
Heat-Resistant Fabrics

How does Asbestos affect my health?

Asbestos primarily affects the lungs and surrounding membrane. Inhaling high levels of asbestos fibers for a prolonged period time can produce scar-like tissue in both the lungs and surrounding membrane. Yet breathing lower levels of asbestos is also dangerous because it can result in restricted breathing. It is important to note that cigarette smoke and asbestos exposure combined greatly increases your chances for developing cancer. If you suspect that you may be at risk for asbestos exposure in your home then you should contact either the state or local health department or the EPA to validate your suspicions and locate a company that is qualified to remove the asbestos fibers.

What are my legal remedies?

There are several possible actions you may take if you have been exposed to asbestos or have lost a loved one resulting from their exposure to asbestos. One option is to bring a lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos products. Another option is to sue the property owners of where the asbestos exposure occurred. Lastly, and perhaps the most common legal action taken, is to bring a workers’ compensation claim against the employer. Although you may choose to take legal action, it can be difficult to succeed on your claim. For example, in order to succeed on a workers’ compensation claim, it is necessary to prove that you have the disease and that you were exposed to it at the workplace of the employer. This can become quite difficult if more than one place of employment is involved. For further information on asbestos in the workplace, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website to learn about the hazards associated with asbestos, how to evaluate asbestos exposure, and the methods used to protect from asbestos, http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/index.html.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Jones

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Injures 12 at a Charlotte, North Carolina Grocery Store

Michael Chandler — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:15:39 GMT

The Charlotte Observer is reporting that 12 people have been hospitalized as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred at a downtown Charlotte grocery store. It appears at least one person might have life threatening injuries.

The incident occurred prior to the store opening and it appears those affected were employees and not customers. As an attorney I am often asked by victims of these types of injuries who will pay for the medical expenses or compensate the lost time from work. If the victim is an employee, the workers compensation insurance will compensate the victim and in certain circumstances another party might be negligent. If the claim is based on negligence, the victim can be compensated for pain and suffering as well. If you were a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning I encourage you to consult with an experienced attorney.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Michael Chandler

Listeria Causes Tofu Recall

Shannon Weidemann — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 21:42:03 GMT

Tofu made by a California based company has been recalled due to possible contamination with Listeria. The recalled tofu was sold in stores on the west coast and the midwest. Quong Hop & Co. is the company that makes the tofu. They have received no reports of illnesses from the tofu.

The company recalled Saturday:
_ The 30-ounce Soy Deli Vacuum Pack Firm Nigari tofu with the code dates Sept. 23, 2007, through Nov. 28, 2007. The product's original recall had the code date Sept. 23, 2007.
_ The 12-ounce Soy Deli Vacuum Pack Firm Nigari tofu coded Sept. 23, 2007, through Jan. 28, 2008. The product's original recall had the code date Sept. 23, 2007.
_ All Soy Deli Bulk Vacuum Pack Tofu, both the 10-pound and 25-pound products, with codes dates through Nov. 28, 2007.

Listeria can cause a severe or fatal illness by someone that comes in contact with the microorganism. Children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann

Frozen Hamburgers Recalled Due to E. Coli

Shannon Weidemann — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 23:06:08 GMT

Topps Meat Company is recalling frozen hamburger patties and other items due to potential contamination with E. coli. E. coli can cause food poisoning and is sometimes fatal. 25 people have reported falling ill after eating the recalled meat. Over 21 million pounds of meat are included in the recall.

The recall, by the Topps Meat Company of Elizabeth, N.J., covers a wide range of frozen hamburger patties and other products manufactured over the last year and bearing a "sell by" date or "best used by" date between last Tuesday and Sept. 25, 2008, along with the United States Department of Agriculture designation EST 9748.
The voluntary recall, an expanded version of one issued last Tuesday for nearly 332,000 pounds of Topps beef, was the first in the 67-year history of Topps, one of the nation's largest meat processing concerns. It was also one of the larger meat recalls of recent years, the Agriculture Department's Food Safety Inspection Service said.

Symptoms of food poisoning by E. coli include bloody diarrhea and dehydration. If you believe that you have eaten the recalled meat and are experiencing any symptoms you should contact your doctor right away.

If you would like to learn more about food poisoning, please visit InjuryBoard's Food Poisoning information page.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann

Hazardous Material Spills on Boone Roadway

Shannon Weidemann — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:01:55 GMT

A truck hauling hazardous materials was involved in an accident on 421 near Boone on Wednesday. The truck rolled over and spilled its cargo on the road. A hazardous materials (Haz Mat) team had to be called out to the scene to clean up the spill.

The driver, who has yet to be identified, was flown to Charlotte Regional Medical Center with a possible head injury.
In the meantime, Wilkes Emergency Management Personnel, as well as a Hazardous Materials team, got to work. Traffic was rerouted via Highway 16 last night. While southbound lanes opened after a few hours, a northbound lane was not opened until around 11 p.m. last night.

The 18-wheeler was removed from the scene on Thursday morning. It is unknown how long the cleanup effort will take.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Toxic and Hazardous Substances.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann

Hazardous Substance on Charles River Causes Explosion

Shannon Weidemann — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:13:52 GMT

Volunteers were out on the Charles River on Thursday cleaning debris and trash out of the water and from the shoreline. Three of the volunteers were hurt when an item they brought into the boat exploded. One of the volunteers said the hazardous substance looked like styrofoam.

State Police chemists were testing the substance, but officials said they do not believe it was placed along the shore of the Charles River with the intention of causing an explosion. Two of the boaters suffered first- and second-degree burns, but none of the injuries were life-threatening, said Jake Wark, spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley.

It is unknown at this time what the substance is. The head of the Charles River Cleanup Boat speculated it may have been a leftover from the fireworks done on July 4th.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann

Truck Leaks Hazardous Material in Nevada

Shannon Weidemann — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:24:39 GMT

A truck driver in Nevada stopped at a rest area and found out that his trailer was leaking Ferric Chloride Solution. He contacted the Nevada Highway Patrol and they acted to evacuate and clean up the area. The hazardous substance caused the evacuation of 24 people from the rest area.

The Cosgrave Rest area, 18 miles west of Winnemucca, was evacuated once the driver of a Kentworth tractor tank trailer discovered the substance he was hauling was leaking at the rest stop.

A company from Sparks was called in to clean the area and remove the trailer. Everyone that was evacuated was able to return to their vehicles the next morning.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Tractor-trailer accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann

Hazardous Material Spills on Road in Monterey

Shannon Weidemann — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:25:28 GMT

A barrel fell off of a truck in Monterey by the intersection of Washington Street and Del Monte Avenue. It left a an unknown powder on the street. The Salinas Fire Department Haz-mat team was brought in to assess the situation and clean up the scene. The hazardous substance spill happened on Friday morning.

The powder came from a barrel off a truck, and hazardous material reponders determined it was a highly caustic substance, officials said.
It was neutralized at the site and vacuumed up, a city spokeswoman said.

The hazardous substance spill closed several roads and led to traffic tie-ups. It also led to the closure of the Monterey Sports Center until the spill was cleaned up.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann

Botulism in Canned Food Prompts Recall

Shannon Weidemann — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:37:32 GMT

A list of over 90 brands of canned foods including stews, chilis, and dog food have been recalled due to a threat of botulism exposure. Botulism is a nerve toxin that can cause paralysis of the muscles and respiratory system. The canned goods were all produced by Castleberry Food Co. at their plant in Augusta, Georgia.

"You're talking tens of millions of cans that may have been involved," said Robert Brackett of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
The company has hired an outside firm to visit 8,500 retailers in an effort to get recalled products off shelves quickly.
Four cases of botulism have been reported -- two in Indiana and two in Texas. All four people ate Hot Dog Chili Sauce Original, a Castleberry's product.

The FDA has warned consumers to remove the product from their pantry shelves, double bag it in a garbage bag and throw it away. A list of all the affected foods can be found at www.castleberrys.com/news_productrecall.asp.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann

China Bans Harmful Ingredient Found in Toothpaste

Shannon Weidemann — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:01:27 GMT

The toothpaste involved in the recent recall contained diethylene glycol, a toxic substance found in antifreeze. China, in a bid to clean up their image before the 2008 Olympics, has banned the use of the substance in toothpaste.

Late Wednesday, China banned toothpaste manufacturers from using diethylene glycol, or DEG -- which can cause kidney failure, paralysis and death, but has been used as a low-cost substitute for harmless glycerin, a sweetener in many drugs.
Chinese-made toothpaste containing DEG has been yanked from sale in North and South America, Europe and Asia.
Although there have been no reports of health problems stemming from the toothpaste, dozens of people in Panama died last year after taking medicine contaminated with DEG imported from China and passed off as glycerin.

China mantains that DEG is safe in the amounts found in the toothpaste and will not harm the people that have used it. Most toothpaste manufacturers in China had stopped using the toxic substance after the recall.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shannon Weidemann