From Health Effects to Lawsuits – Surviving Vinyl Chloride Exposure
Vinyl chloride is a chemical used in the manufacturing of many products, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastics, rubber, furniture, glass, and paper. It is also used in automobile manufacturing and in construction. Vinyl chloride has been identified as a human carcinogen, and long-term exposure to vinyl chloride can lead to liver cancer, leukemia, and brain cancer.
Vinyl Chloride Exposure
There are a number of ways in which a person can become exposed to vinyl chloride, including through:
- Inhalation
- Drinking contaminated water
- Work - people who work with vinyl chloride are at the highest risk of vinyl chloride exposure
Of course, people who work with vinyl chloride are at highest risk of exposure. People who work in the following industries in particular should be aware of this risk:
- PVC manufacturing
- Automobile
- Construction
- Furniture
- Plastics manufacturing
- Rubber manufacturing
Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride
Long-term vinyl chloride exposure can lead to several adverse health conditions and diseases, including:
- Liver cancer - angiosarcoma of the liver is one of the most common side effects of vinyl chloride exposure
- Liver disease - results in liver tissue damage and may require a transplant
- Leukemia
- Brain cancer
- Raynaud's syndrome - a condition in which blood flow to the fingers and toes is inhibited
Help from a Chemical Exposure Attorney
If you or a member of your family has been harmed by exposure to vinyl chloride, you may be legally entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses and expenses. Contact a personal injury attorney skilled in chemical exposure litigation today for further information.