The effects of polyvinyl chloride exposure

Working in environments such as factories and construction sites usually involves exposure to many different chemicals. All employers have the legal obligation to protect their employees from exposure to known hazards. Therefore, you should have been provided with adequate protective equipment and safety training to prevent exposure that could damage your health.

However, unfortunately, workers across the United States continue to suffer from serious illnesses such as cancer because of long-term exposure to toxins in the workplace. This can be due to exposure to toxins that were not known to be dangerous at the time, or it could be due to negligent employers who did not do enough to keep the workplace safe. If you have worked with polyvinyl chloride in the past and you are currently suffering from health issues, it is important that you understand how polyvinyl chloride exposure could have negatively affected your health.

The potential health effects of PVC exposure

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic that is very versatile. This is why it is a popular choice for the production of plastic flooring, food packaging, window frames, upholstery and shoes. While it is generally deemed safe enough for use by consumers, PVC can be dangerous when it is being manufactured, burned or put into landfills.

When people are exposed to PVC through ingestion or inhalation of PVC traces or fumes, they can be at an increased risk of certain cancers. In particular, PVC exposure is strongly linked with a rare form of liver cancer called hepatic angiosarcoma. Lung and brain cancers are associated with PVC exposure, too.

What can I do if I believe I have suffered due to PVC exposure?

If you worked in an environment with PVC and you are now suffering from a type of cancer that is linked with exposure to the plastic, you may want to take legal action for damages. You may be able to argue that your employer’s negligence led to avoidable exposure and illness.

Gaining damages may help you to pay for medical treatment and to cover any lost wages that you have experienced. It is important that you take the time to understand the law before taking action.