Hazardous and toxic substances can be defined as those chemicals present in the workplace, in the home, in products or throughout the community that are capable of causing harm. Carcinogens are agents that can cause cancer. These substances may include fumes, dusts, mixtures, and common materials such as paints, fuels, and solvents, or other exposure. OSHA currently regulates exposure to approximately 400 substances. The OSHA Chemical Sampling Information file contains listing for approximately 1500 substances; the EPA's TSCA Chemical Substances Inventory lists information on more than 62,000 chemicals or chemical substances; some libraries maintain files of Material Safety Data Sheets for more than 100,000 substances. It is not possible to address the hazards associated with each of these chemicals, but it is important to know general information about hazardous and toxic substances, and to know where you can find information regarding a specific harmful agent. Be alert to the products you use at home, question possible exposure to substances in the work place. Do not assume that a manufacturer or employer understands or will warn you of these hazards. Generally, workplace exposures are considered to be at higher levels than public exposures. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should always be read and contain an indication of carcinogenic potential. The key to reducing your risk of exposure is being aware of possible hazards. However, with the sheer number of chemicals and agents used in our complex world this is not always possible. If you, a loved one, or a friend are suffering from an unknown illness, ask you doctor if you may have been exposed to a harmful chemical agent. Ask if there is any test to confirm any suspicions. Tell the doctor about your home and work environment and possible exposure to harmful chemicals. Ask if they are aware of any similar cases.

In chemical and toxic exposure cases, complex legal and safety issues may be involved. Like other types of accidents or injuries, no one formula can be applied but legal and factual issues should be thoroughly considered, investigated, and resolved. There are a number of recurring issues that should be considered including in part the following.

• Are you or any family member suffering from some unknown illness?

• Have your neighbors or workers expressed similar symptoms or complaints?

• Has there been a pattern of illness or disease within a common population within a work or geographic area?

• Were you given any warnings at work regarding any hazards and possible symptoms?

• Have you determined if your particular occupation is known to be at risk to a known chemical hazard?

• Were you exposed as a child, to any toxic agents?

• Can you prove when and where you were exposed to a toxic agent, and for what duration?

• Who created, manufactured, distributed, or otherwise took part in the selling of the product?

It is important that you do not compromise your legal rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, or signing a release for personal or medical information. You should first know your rights by consulting with a competent attorney. If you, a loved, a friend believe that you have been exposed to a toxic chemical or hazard, consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately for an evaluation of your case. We are here to help. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using the following Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.