Exposure to chemicals and other toxins in your California workplace can endanger your health, sometimes for the rest of your life. In many cases, workers and even employers are not aware of toxic dangers. This can make it difficult to know whether you are simply sick or if your symptoms arose because of exposure to toxic substances in the workplace.
It is critical to uncover the reason for your symptoms for several reasons:
- If you are ill because of workplace toxins, workers’ compensation will cover your medical expenses and replace some of your lost wages.
- The earlier you seek treatment for your symptoms, even if they are not related to your job, the greater your chance to make a recovery.
- Identifying potential toxic hazards in your place of work will protect you and your coworkers going forward.
Learning the early signs of exposure to toxins can help you identify whether your job is responsible for your illness and whether you qualify for a workers’ compensation claim.
Although these signs may vary according to the toxic substance involved, many people share certain specific symptoms in the early stages following exposure. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is wise to seek a medical opinion as soon as possible.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Dizziness
- Tightness in the chest
- Headaches
Some of the California work environments in which toxic hazards are a real concern include:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Farming
- Industrial facilities
- Dry cleaning
The possibility of toxic exposure in the workplace requires immediate attention to prevent lifelong health complications or even death. Get a medical opinion and speak to your superiors about reducing these hazards going forward. If you need assistance with any resulting workers’ compensation claim, please seek advice from a legal professional.
