Ordinary chemicals that we use every day can sometimes be extremely hazardous to our health, leading to catastrophic injuries, neurological disorders, or death. Pesticide risks are an example of ordinary, everyday chemicals that are a general health hazard.
Pesticides are commonly used throughout the United States. Unfortunately, many of the very chemicals that prevent harmful or unwanted pests from causing damage to ourselves or our property have been proven detrimental to human and animal health by numerous and continuing scientific studies.
Risks
Perhaps the most common and minor human side effects of pesticide exposure usage are eye and skin irritations such as burning, itching, and rash. Pesticides have also been shown to cause damage to the nervous and immune systems, sometimes even leading to the development of certain cancers and death. The reproductive system is especially susceptible to the harmful influence of pesticides exposure risks. The risks of exposure can include a higher rate of:
- Birth abnormalities
- Miscarriage
- Decreased birth weight
- A host of fertility problems for both men and women
Pesticides, like DDT,have also been found to be destructive to our natural environment. Certain wildlife habitats like that of the brown pelicans in Texas and Florida, have been nearly decimated by pesticides. These types of pesticides can seep into the groundwater supply and be consumed by humans as well. Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence exposing the dangers of pesticides, they are still utilized daily throughout the country.
Unfortunately, children are exposed daily to commonly-used pesticides in their homes and schools. As a result of their particular vulnerabilities, children face an increased risk of harmful exposure.
Pesticides and Children: The Risks
A child’s body is still growing, and they may be more susceptible to pesticides which prevent the absorption of nutrients needed for their natural, healthy development. Children also eat and drink more relative to their body weight than do adults. This increases their chances of ingesting greater quantities of pesticides used to treat and grow our food. Also, because children spend more time playing in yards or on floors, they also experience greater exposure to lawn pesticides as well as household cleaning products. Some toxins can have terrible effects at critical stages of a child’s physical and mental system development. The pervasive interaction between pesticides and children can lead to permanent mental and physical impairment.
Legal Regulations
For these reasons, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strictly regulates the amount of pesticides permitted to be used in the production of foods most commonly eaten by children. Please Click Here to visit the EPA’s pesticides website
The regulation of foods such as fruits, vegetables, sugar, eggs, and meat, aims to limit exposure of children to pesticides in food at a safe level. In addition, the EPA has established guidelines for the safe storage of harmful substances in the home (locked cabinets at a distance greater than four feet off the ground, etc.).
Under the pesticide law household products that have a warning label are required to have child-resistant packaging. Despite all of these precautions, there is no substitute for adult supervision. In the home, the prevention of accidental poisoning from pesticide ingestion or exposure must come from the child’s guardian(s) taking the proper safety measures.
Obtaining Damages for Pesticide Exposure
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of exposure to pesticides, contact The Rothenberg Law Firm at 1-800-624-8888 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is FREE of charge. If we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds.
In most cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as the Statute of Limitations. Therefore, it is critical to call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
Hazardous Products Lawyer
If you or someone you know has endured severe injury because of the dangers involved in pesticides risks, please call The Rothenberg Law Firm immediately at 1-800-624-8888 or submit an online questionnaire. You may qualify to bring suit for money damages, medical treatment, and other benefits.
The initial consultation is FREE of charge. If we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis. That means we get paid for our services only if you recover compensation. Many of these cases are time-sensitive, so please act now to preserve your rights.
