Whether you do cleaning work in a home, hospital, office, hotel, or school, it is a strenuous profession that can put you at risk for chemical exposure. Our occupational disease lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, help injured workers in the Greater NYC area obtain workers’ compensation benefits for all types of injuries sustained on the job. Being aware of potential dangers and what to do if you become ill can help you protect your health and well-being.
Types of Dangerous Chemicals in Cleaning Products
Many cleaning supplies and products can irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs. Although some may cause minor headaches, others can lead to serious occupational diseases. Common products and substances that can cause harm include:
- Chlorine bleach
- Ammonia
- Disinfectants
- Solvents
- Fragrances
- Surfactants
- Detergents
- Aerosol spray products
- Rug and upholstery cleaners
- Furniture and floor polish
- Oven cleaners
Using some of these dangerous substances at the same time can have disastrous consequences. For example, mixing bleach or products containing bleach with ammonia can create toxic gases that cause respiratory problems or even death.
That’s why it’s imperative for employers to properly train workers to safely use and handle cleaning products. Whether you work in an industrial setting or someone’s home, adequate ventilation and proper protective gear are also crucial. Unfortunately, employer negligence is all too common, so it’s important to educate yourself on the potential dangers of using harsh cleaning chemicals.
Generally, workers in New York are prohibited from suing their employers. However, if a toxic substance caused an occupational disease or injury and the manufacturer failed to warn of its potential dangers, they could be liable for damages in a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
Symptoms and Conditions Caused by Chemical Exposure
Janitorial and housekeeping jobs have some of the highest rates of workplace injuries due to chemical exposure. In healthcare settings, disinfectants are essential for infection control. This means cleaning staff in medical facilities may face an increased risk of occupational diseases compared to those in other workplaces.
If you work with cleaning supplies and other dangerous chemicals, look out for symptoms such as:
- Stinging, itchy, watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Stuffy, itchy, or runny nose
- Burning in the nose or throat
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing
- Itchy or burning skin
- Rashes
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
Asthma and contact dermatitis are two of the most common ailments that can result from chemical exposure from cleaning products. Other conditions that may stem from working with chemicals include lung damage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other respiratory disorders, eye injuries, and certain types of cancers.
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Report your injury or illness to your employer and contact a workers’ compensation attorney to find out your options for obtaining benefits.
How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
If you believe you’re suffering from a condition or injury caused by chemical exposure in the workplace, having an experienced occupational disease lawyer by your side is a must. Although acute injuries and illnesses do occur, some develop over time, which can make it more difficult to prove your condition is work-related. Cases involving pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies are even more complex. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can assess your case, help you make sense of it all, and fight to help you obtain the full amount of benefits and compensation you deserve. If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, an attorney can assist you with an appeal.
Contact a Greater NYC Workers’ Occupational Disease Lawyer
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our workers’ compensation lawyers have been dedicated to fighting for injured workers’ rights in the Greater NYC area for more than 30 years. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is proud to assist our Spanish-speaking clients. Call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
