Toxic Fumes

Construction sites and other workplaces often contain a number of industrial products with potentially-hazardous
fumes. Many solvents, cleaning products, paints, and other products are composed of chemicals that give
off toxic vapors. Stored incorrectly, these products can pose serious health risks to anyone on the
site. Proper safety measures in any environment with products like these should include measures to
keep employees safe.

The number of chemicals that give off toxic fumes is large. However the number of products that contain
them is somewhat more limited. Products like paint thinners, de-varnishing agents, aerosol propellants,
and many cleaning products are made out of chemicals that naturally evaporate when exposed to the air.
If their containers are not closed properly, these fumes can accumulate to dangerous levels in storage
areas, and even spread the danger to nearby rooms.

The effects of vapor inhalation depend very much on the particular products. All toxic vapors can be
fatal if inhaled in great enough quantity, but the fatal dose for each varies. In addition, lower doses
often have non-fatal but still very serious effects, including seizure and brain damage. Many injuries
are not the direct result of the chemicals themselves, but rather side-effects of their ability to make
people delirious and confused, leading to accidents.

Contact Us

Toxic vapors can lead to illness, long-term disability, and death. If you have been injured while on
the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers
of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., can help you. >Contact us today at 215-238-1130.