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Chemical Exposure

Hazardous chemicals are all around us. From under the kitchen sink to being used at your job, chemicals are a part of daily life. However, some jobs put you at a higher risk of being injured by a chemical agent or poison. The following list of hazardous chemicals has been categorized by the CDC. To find more information about each type of chemical click here.

Types of Hazardous Chemicals

• Biotoxins- Poisons that come from plants or animals
• Blister agents/Vesicants- Chemicals that severely blister the eyes, respiratory tract and skin on contact
• Blood agents- Poisons that affect the body by being absorbed into the blood
• Caustics (acids)- Chemicals that burn or corrode the skin, eyes and lining of the nose, mouth throat and lungs on contact
• Choking/Lung/Pulmonary Agents- chemicals that cause severe irritation or swelling of the respiratory tract.
• Incapacitating Agents- Drugs that make people unable to think clearly or that cause altered states of consciousness
• Anticoagulants- Poisons that prevent blood from clotting properly, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding
• Metals- Agents that consist of metallic poisons
• Nerve Agents- Highly poisonous chemicals that work by preventing the nervous system from working properly
• Organic solvents- Agents that damage the tissue of living things by dissolving fats and oils
• Riot Control Agents/Tear Gas- Highly irritating agents
• Toxic Alcohols- Poisonous alcohols that can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system
• Vomiting agents- Chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting

Injuries

Depending on the chemical in question and the duration of exposure your reaction could be as mild as a skin irritation or as severe as asphyxiation and death. The following injuries are common reactions may occur after exposure to a hazardous chemical:

• Burns (both internal and external)
• Tissue damage
• Redness, irritation or burning sensation at point of contact
• Pain or numbness at contact point
• Formation of blisters or black dead skin
• Vision changes if the chemical gets in your eyes
• Pain and burning in the eyes
• Coughing or shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure
• Faintness, weakness or dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle twitching or seizures
• Cardiac arrest or irregular heartbeat

If you have been exposed to a chemical agent please contact your physician immediately. Some chemicals do not cause immediate signs or symptoms.

If you live in New Hampshire or Vermont and have been injured on the job and need help with your workers compensation claim please contact a personal injury lawyer at Van Dorn and Curtiss today.

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