Chemical and Gas Inhalation

There are several different types of chemicals and gases used in the plastic, food processingand clothing and manufacturing industries. There are manyother chemical producing industries which synthesize many chemicals including food additives, pharmaceuticals, agricultural, fertilisers, power production fuels, paints and dyes (to name a few). Unfortunately workers who use or produce these chemicals are unaware of their short and long term impact on their health. Inhalation of toxic chemicals and gases can cause serious illnesses for the victims. It is the employers responsibility to ensure their employees are trained how to us the chemicals and are provided with safety equipment to avoid inhalation.

You are eligible to make a claim for compensation if you have suffered a disease or injury caused by chemical or gas inhalation. Contact us on 08000 430 430 or complete our online enquiry form for a call back.

Types of Chemical and Gas Exposures

Employees can be exposed to chemicals and gases through different sources.Every industry is involved with chemical usage either in the form of liquid, gases or fumes. And almost every worker is more or less affected by chemical exposure either knowingly or unknowingly.There are three different routes for chemical inhalation:-

• Inhaling the chemical or gas through breathing;
• Absorption of chemical or gas through skin; and
• Ingestion of chemical or gas through mouth.

Effects of Chemical and Gas Inhalation

There are many diseases which are caused by chemical or gas inhalation. The disease depends upon the type of chemical and the time of exposure. Examples are as follows:-

• Gases and chemicals like chlorine, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia and phosgene can cause eye, nose, and mouth and throat irritation.
• Ammonia, sulphuric acid and nitrogen oxides inhalation can cause eyes, skin and lungs irritation. Long and continuous exposure can permanently damage affected areas.
• Acetylene and carbon dioxide exposure can replace normal oxygen content of air in lungs resulting respiratory syndromes.
• Chronic exposure of bauxite dust and asbestos can lead to damage of lung function causing disability and even death.
• Chemicals like strong acids, alkalis, solvents, detergents, carbon tetra chloride and trichloroethylene can cause inflamed, skin rashes, skin irritation and allergies.
• If a person experiences exposure of 2-naphthylamine, some tars, oils and asbestos for many years he can suffer from lung, bladder skin or tissue cancer causing death.
• Skin allergy, dermatitis, chronic asthma and permanent disability of lungs have been observed by the inhalation of toluene, di-isocyanate (TDI) and amine hardeners.
• Inhalation of carbon-tetrachloride, carbon monoxide, mercury, hydrogen, cadmium and cyanide can harm liver brain and kidney cells resulting organ failure and ultimate death.

Employer’s Responsibility

An employer should:-

1. Train his employees about how to handle every toxic compound and potential risks associated with it.

2. Provide his employees with safety equipment such as respirators, face covers and safety masks to avoid hazardous substance exposure.

3. Provide regular medical examinations
Chemical and Gas Inhalation Compensation Claim

If the lack of precautions, safety measures or equipment has led to an injury you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us today on 08000 430 430 or complete our online enquiry form for a call back.