Vinyl Chloride Exposure
WERE YOU EXPOSED TO THE TOXIC CHEMICAL VINYL CHLORIDE?
Exposure to the industrial chemical vinyl chloride has been linked to a rare liver cancer known as angiosarcoma. Vinyl chloride has been classified as a cancer-causing substance by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Others have also developed a condition known as vinyl chloride disease.
Companies who have violated state and federal environmental regulations in the handling and disposal of their toxic waste containing vinyl chloride may be liable for both civil and criminal penalties.
What is Vinyl Chloride?
Vinyl chloride is a colorless and potentially explosive gas and is used in the manufacture of plastics. It can exist in its original form or it can occur as the result of the breakdown of other chemicals that it helps to form.
Vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material that is used in the manufacture of many plastic and vinyl products, such as pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. Polyvinyl chloride has also been used as a refrigerant and in furniture and automobile upholstery and wall coverings.
It has been found in the water supply of some cities. Water polluted by vinyl chloride must be immediately treated before it is safe to drink. Illegally stored and handled hazardous waste likely contribute to the contamination problems. The EPA has stringent guidelines on the proper storage and disposal of such toxic waste.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Short term exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride affects the central nervous system. Symptoms include
- Drowsiness
- Diziness
- Headaches
Long term exposure has been linked to a rare form of liver cancer and liver damage. Workers at plastics plants and those involved in the production, transportation, or storage of the chemical are most at risk for long-term exposure.
Angiosarcoma is a rare type of liver cancer which arises from the blood vessels in the liver. A high rate of death is associated with the cancer. The risk of developing angiosarcoma after being exposed to vinyl chloride is 400 times higher than in the general population. Patients with hepatic (liver) angiosarcoma often exhibit nonspecific symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Jaundice
Angiosarcoma can be treated surgically, by removing the tumor, if it is found in a localized area and detected early. Chemotherapy may be indicated if the cancer is more advanced.
The symptoms of liver damage depend on the severity of the damage. Patients who suffer from liver damage may experience:
- Jaundice
- severe fatigue
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
Vinyl chloride disease is characterized by:
- Raynaud's phenomenon (numb and painful fingers when exposed to cold)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Thickening of the skin
- Changes in the bones at the end of the fingers.
Do I Qualify for a Vinyl Chloride Lawsuit?
If you or a member of your family has been exposed to Vinyl Chloride, then you may qualify for a lawsuit claim. Thousands of people have already filed claims.
In America today there are thousands of mass lawsuits and billions of dollars in unclaimed monies available for victims. If you have been wronged by a major corporation, you may be entitled to compensation for treatments and pain and suffering.
If you believe you have been wronged, take action to protect your rights.
Fill out the form to the right or call 1.800.387.4262 if you need additional information or want to discuss a potential claim with an attorney. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
If the inquiry is accepted for further review, you will receive a prompt response (usually the same day or by the next business day). Local counsel may be used for this matter.
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