Many businesses in Ohio and elsewhere use chemicals in the manufacture of a variety of products on a daily basis. While a great deal of these chemicals may prove harmless, others can be dangerous, and should an employee be exposed to toxic materials, he or she could suffer long-term or permanent damages in the process. A woman in another state has recently filed a lawsuit against several companies after she suffered severe respiratory issues by being exposed to harmful flavoring chemicals.
According to reports, the woman was employed at a chewing gum factory for five years as a housekeeper. During her tenure, she claims she was exposed to toxic flavoring chemicals, including diacetyl and acetyl propionyl, which caused her to develop severe respiratory issues. Studies suggest that exposure to either of these materials can lead to a variety of health conditions, such as severe impairment to the lungs and emphysema.
According to the lawsuit, the company was either aware, or should have been aware, of the danger of exposing employees to similar chemicals. The medical conditions that can arise under similar circumstances can have a substantial impact on a person’s quality of life and may even prompt a need for long-term or permanent medical care. Those who suffer under similar circumstances may wish to seek accountability through the civil justice system, but the process can be stressful and daunting.
With the extensive costs of medical care, individuals who suffer serious medical conditions due to exposure to toxic materials may find themselves in search of some much-needed financial relief. When facing a similar situation, one could speak with an attorney in Ohio for advice on available options for legal recourse. An attorney can evaluate the situation and assist a client in pursuing compensation through a claim against the party or parties deemed culpable.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Ex-Wrigley workers sue over exposure to flavoring chemicals“, Becky Yerak, Sept. 27, 2017
