ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS HEALTH RISKS Types of Environmental Toxins The most typical environmental exposures occur from the following sources: Pesticides - Dursban, chlordane, organophosphate, organochlorine Solvents - Cleaners, gasoline, fuel oil, benzene, toluene, xylene, hexane Heavy Metals - Lead, mercury, arsenic Biological contaminants - Mold and mildew Miscellaneous - Radiation, radon, electromagnetic fields (EMF) Types of Exposure Acute Exposure This involves a one time exposure that may result in permanent damage. Chronic Exposure This involves exposure to a toxin over a period of time. Damage can occur as a result of minimal cumulative exposure occurring over an extended period of time. For instance, solvents are rapidly absorbed and rapidly eliminated, but this process may cause damage over a period of time. Damage may also occur as a result of a toxin accumulating within the body and causing injury when it reaches a toxic level. This is the usual mechanism of injury with heavy metals. Chronic Exposure Followed by Acute Episode This often occurs in the workplace. A worker is exposed to a chemical that produces sub-clinical damage or imperceptible damage. The worker is then exposed to a bolus or enormous dose of the same toxin that precipitates toxicity. Exposure patterns can be complicated by a mixed pattern of toxins and variations of acute and chronic exposures. Types of Damage Exposure to toxic substances has the ability to damage various organ systems including neurological, pulmonary and endocrine Central Nervous System (CNS) The most serious injury involves a toxic brain injury or a toxic encephalopathy. Symptoms may include headaches, memory loss, personality changes or loss of impulse control, blurry vision, ringing in the ears and vertigo or dizziness. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or lack of strength in the arms or legs. Chronic Fatigue, Fibromylalgia, or Chemical Sensitivity These are overlapping illnesses. Chronic fatigue is characterized by fatigue that may manifest as muscle fatigue or drowsiness. Fibromyalgia involves muscle weakness. Chemical sensitivity involves a hypersensitivity to chemicals after a triggering event. For example, an acute exposure to pesticides may result not only in future sensitivity to pesticides but also other chemicals such as gasoline, cigarettes, perfume, cleaners, etc. Hence an offending triggering chemical results in a spreading phenomenon with other chemicals. Upper Respiratory Sinusitis and other nasal conditions. Lower Resiratory Toxic asthma and other respiratory difficulties. Endocrine Hyper or hypothyroidism. Adrenal difficulties. Liver Gastrointestinal (GI) Dermatitis, rashes or allergies Immune/Autoimmune Often the body will develop a weakened immune system or conversely attack itself in an autoimmune response. This may manifest in abnormalities in T Cells or other markers of a compromised immune system. Birth Defects/Teratogenic Birth defects or changes in the nature of cells of the body. Cancer Robert M. Fellheimer, P.C. The information provided at this web site is provided solely for information purposes and is not intended to be legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship, and is not a viable substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney. The information in these pages is provided only as general information which may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. Internet viewers should not act upon this information without first seeking qualified professional counsel. This web site is not intended for those viewers in any state where the web fails to comply with all laws and ethical rules of that state. The law firm of Robert M. Fellheimer, P.C. is licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the practice of law. For additional information you may also contact the law firm directly. |
