Everything is made of chemicals – from the water we drink and the food we eat to the clothes we wear and the products we use daily. This means that we are exposed to chemicals all the time. However, not all of these chemicals are hazardous to us, meaning we don’t suffer health effects if we come into contact with them.
On the other hand, some chemical exposures can cause serious health effects. If you want to learn about the health effects of chemical exposure, keep reading below. We’ve made a list of some of the main ones:
- Allergies
Some chemicals can cause allergic reactions in some people. These reactions can be deadly if not treated quickly. If you come into contact with a chemical and suddenly start struggling to breathe or your tongue swells, get to the emergency room quickly.
- Asthma
The most common health effect of chemical exposure is asthma. This typically occurs when a person is allergic to the chemical in question. It is a horrible condition that leaves you feeling breathless and tired and can even lead to death in severe cases.
- Reproductive Problems or Birth Defects
Another common health issue related to chemical exposure is reproductive problems or congenital disabilities in your children. This health effect can significantly impact a person’s life, particularly if they are of childbearing age.
Because of this, many people who suffer from this type of health effect after coming into contact with a chemical at work choose to seek compensation from their employer. A toxic chemical exposure litigation lawyer is hired to get them the compensation they deserve.
- Weakening of the Immune System
Our immune system protects the body from infection. This means a person with a weakened immune system is much more prone to infections. While this might not sound like a big deal, if your immune system doesn’t strengthen, you may find yourself in the hospital for long periods, battling bugs and illnesses.
- Cancer
Cancer is one of the most severe health effects on our list. Despite survival rates for cancer being at an all-time high, this is a disease that no one wants to be diagnosed with.
- Organ Damage
Another profound health effect of chemical exposure is organ damage. If a chemical is swallowed, long-term organ damage is highly likely. Thankfully, this health effect doesn’t often occur as most people exposed to chemicals do not ingest them.
- Cognitive Issues in Children
Statistics suggest that only a tiny proportion of children come into contact with hazardous chemicals yearly. This is fantastic news considering the impact these chemicals can have on the cognitive ability of young children. Children who are exposed to chemicals may struggle with learning, and they may also struggle to concentrate for long periods.
While not all chemicals are dangerous, there are lots that are hazardous to humans and the environment. If we come into contact with these types of chemicals, we can suffer various health issues, including the ones we’ve listed above.