Formaldehyde Exposure

Have you been exposed to formaldehyde on the job?

One of the biggest safety risks in the workplace is exposure to harmful and toxic chemicals over a long period of time, causing diseases and certain types of cancer. This includes the exposure to formaldehyde, which in 2004 was officially classified as a harmful carcinogen by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA).

If you have been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer  the lawyers at Allen Stewart, P.C. would like to speak with you. We may be able to get the compensation you deserve to help pay for treatment and pain and suffering. This can help ease the financial burden on you and your family.  To learn more, contact us today.

For many years, formaldehyde has been used as a treatment for a wide variety of products, including carpeting, paints, fabrics, pressed wood products and more. And, in the past decade, research has concluded that elongated exposure to toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde is dangerous and may result in nasopharyngeal cancer.

Workplace Formaldehyde Exposure

One of the professions that may be at most risk for exposure to formaldehyde is carpet factory workers, carpet fabricators and carpet installers. The chemicals and fibers involved in producing carpet can result in damage to one’s sinuses and lungs, which is why individuals involved in this work should always take precautions to wear protective masks when working in the carpet industry. In fact, many types of respiratory cancers, including lung, throat and nasopharyngeal cancer, have become common for those who have spent years in this industry.

Another problem area is paint products, where that “new paint smell” actually comes as a result of a variety of harmful and toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde. It is part of a series of chemicals found in paint called “volatile organic chemicals,” (V.O.C.’s) and at room temperature will convert to a gas form and be easily inhaled. Painters or individuals who work with a lot of paints on a regular basis are at risk for excessive formaldehyde exposure and have a higher incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer.

In addition, many pressed wood products, such as plywood or decorative paneling, use chemicals like formaldehyde as a treatment for preservation purposes. In recent years, steps have been taken to reduce the use of these chemicals, although older houses and products still contain pressed wood that has been treated with formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals.

In many cases, companies are aware of the dangers they are exposing their workers to, yet fail to act to prevent them. If you believe you may be at risk or have been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer due to exposure to formaldehyde, you should consult with your physician immediately.

Nasopharyngeal Legal Assistance

Exposure to toxic chemicals like formaldehyde can be a serious problem, and over time can result in diseases like nasopharyngeal cancer and other respiratory problems. These illnesses may either show up relatively quickly or take years to come to the surface. Whatever the case, if you’ve been exposed to these chemicals and are suffering as a result, the company or manufacturer responsible may be liable for damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.