fbpx

Indoor Air Pollution: Unseen Toxins in the Air Place Workers at Risk

Unseen toxins in the workplace.

In a world where air pollution has long been associated with outdoor environments, researchers say that indoor toxins in the workplace and at home are an equally pressing concern.

Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, including in their homes, schools, workplaces, gyms, hospitals and stores, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But unlike the outside, indoor spaces are typically not subject to legally enforceable ambient air-quality standards.

Indoor Air Quality Dangers

The science of indoor air pollution is less developed than that of outdoor air, making it hard for governments to create regulations and controls. The types and behaviors of pollutants differ inside. For example, ventilation plays a crucial role because pollutants such as carbon monoxide and benzene can accumulate inside a room.

Respiratory pathogens such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses also can build up and spread more readily indoors as we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent flu outbreaks.

According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to a range of health problems, including:

  • Infections
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Heart disease
  • Cognitive deficits
  • Lung cancer, including mesothelioma
  • Chronic lung diseases such as asthma.

The World Health Organization estimates 3.8 million people worldwide die every year from illnesses related to harmful indoor air from dirty cookstoves and fuel. Indoor air pollution is particularly hazardous for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Causes of Air Contamination

Dangers indoors include vapors from building and construction materials, equipment and furniture, and biological contaminants such as mold, viruses and allergens. In the workplace, employers that place profit over safety may not provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment to protect workers from harmful solvents and other chemicals.

Benzene is a common indoor toxin in manufacturing and other workplace settings, where people can be exposed by fumes known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)from gasolene, solvents, paint, petroleum products and exhaust. In addition to benzene, common VOCs include ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene. All of these chemicals are known to cause serious health problems, including cancer. Since workers typically spend so much time in inclosed spaces, even small concentrations of VOCs and other airborne toxins can lead to serious health complications.

Benzene exposure is known to cause a host of health problems, including:

  • When exposure is sudden and acute, it can cause anything from drowsiness to death.
  • When benzene exposure is chronic at lower levels, it more often leads over time to the development of blood-related illnesses.
  • Two conditions that have been most closely linked to the toxic substance are acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome.

To keep workers safe, employers should provide proper ventilation systems, including regularly cleaning and maintaining HVAC units, using air purifiers and opting for eco-friendly cleaning products.

How We Help Victims of Benzene Exposure 

Seek justice with the help of our experienced attorneys. Our Dallas, Texas, benzene law firm has battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years, aggressively fighting to hold them responsible for dangerous chemicals and the personal injuries and cancers they cause. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury caused by dangerous products, we can help. 

What are my chances?

That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve taken more mesothelioma trials to verdict than any other firm. And that’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you. Do you think you have a case? Contact us now to speak with an attorney.

Call 800.226.9880