Could You Have a Toxic Exposure Claim? Signs, Symptoms, and Next Steps

May 7, 2025

By

Adam Brillhart

Working specific jobs means you may be more vulnerable to exposure to toxic chemicals and other substances. In some cases, you may not realize you’re being exposed to these dangerous substances as employers try to hide these facts.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of toxic exposure early and pursuing legal action can help you protect your health and secure the compensation you deserve.

What Is Toxic Exposure?

Employees can suffer from toxic exposure if they come into contact with harmful substances in their work environment. This contact can happen through inhalation, ingestion, or physical exposure to dangerous chemicals, molds, or poisons.

Chemical hazards are often present in workplaces, homes, or public spaces, sometimes due to negligence or failure to implement safety measures. Prolonged exposure can lead to long-term health concerns.

Examples of toxic agents include:

Cleaning chemicals or solvents
Pesticides and herbicides (like Round-Up Weed Killer)
Lead and asbestos
Toxic molds like black mold
Poisons, including carbon monoxide
Pharmaceuticals
Food additives
Contaminated water

How Does OSHA Regulate Exposure to Chemicals?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a crucial role in protecting workers from chemical and toxic substance hazards through its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), outlined in regulations such as 29 CFR 1910.1200. This standard ensures that workers are informed about potential chemical dangers in their workplace and are equipped with the necessary protective measures.

Under the HCS, chemical manufacturers and importers must evaluate the hazards of chemicals they produce or import and prepare clear labels and safety data sheets to relay this information. Employers, in turn, are obligated to provide employees with access to these labels and safety data sheets and provide proper training. This training must educate workers on understanding chemical hazards, safe handling practices, and protective measures tailored to their work environment.

By establishing these requirements, OSHA emphasizes the importance of making chemical safety information accessible and comprehensible. To learn more, visit OSHA’s Hazard Communication page.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxic Exposure

You can be exposed to toxic chemicals in various ways. These exposures can affect everyone differently. Here are some common signs and symptoms of toxic exposure that may qualify you for a personal injury claim or workers’ comp claim:

Signs of Toxic Mold Exposure

Breathing difficulties, wheezing, or asthma flare-ups
Chronic coughing or sneezing
Eye irritation (itchiness or redness)
Skin rashes or hives
Chronic fatigue or headaches

Signs and Symptoms of Chemical Exposure

Burning, watery eyes, or blurred vision
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Severe headaches or dizziness
Respiratory issues, like shortness of breath
Difficulty concentrating or mental fog

Signs and Symptoms of Poisons

Vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
Confusion or disorientation
Severe dizziness or light-headedness
Unconsciousness or seizures (in extreme cases)

Monitor symptoms that worsen over time, as delayed treatment can lead to long-term health consequences.

Learn More: Personal Injury Claim Vs. Workers’ Compensation Claim

Jobs and Industries Likely Linked to Toxic Exposure

While anyone can be exposed to toxins, certain industries have a much higher risk. Workers in these industries are more vulnerable to workplace exposure to harmful substances, including chemical exposure on the job.

Construction

Construction workers are regularly exposed to hazardous substances like asbestos, silica dust, lead-based paints, and solvents. Demolition, renovation, and even new builds can increase the presence of toxic materials, especially in older buildings. Inadequate ventilation and a lack of protective gear can increase the risk of being exposed to these toxins.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing often involves chemicals, heavy metals, and industrial solvents. Jobs that involve welding, painting, and metal fabrication closely place employees with fumes and particles that can be inhaled. Long-term exposure to these substances, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, can lead to chronic health issues.

Agriculture

Agricultural workers are frequently exposed to pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and fuel exhaust. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled during spraying or handling.

Healthcare

Healthcare professionals handle medications, disinfectants, sterilizing agents, and radiation. Repeated exposure to anesthetic gases, chemotherapy drugs, and other chemicals can pose serious health risks.

Military Service

Military personnel may encounter toxic substances through burn pits, chemical warfare agents, fuel exposure, and contaminated environments during deployments. Historical use of substances like Agent Orange and asbestos in older buildings and vehicles has left lasting health impacts on many veterans, leading to frequent toxic exposure VA claims.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Toxic Exposure?

Protect your health and future. If you believe you’ve been exposed to toxins in your workplace or living space, follow these steps:

Seek Medical Treatment: Get an official diagnosis from a healthcare professional to address health issues and document the exposure.
Document Symptoms and Environment: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms and note when they started. Take photos of the suspected toxic substance and any visible injuries.
Report the Incident: Notify your employer or landlord about the situation. File an official report to create a paper trail documenting exposure.
Preserve Evidence: Save work clothing and tools that may show contamination. Avoid cleaning or washing items, as this could remove crucial evidence.
Contact a Toxic Exposure Lawyer: An attorney experienced in toxic exposure claims can help you understand your rights and begin the claims process.

Why You Need a Toxic Exposure Lawyer

Employers and insurance companies may downplay their negligence in toxic exposure cases. A skilled toxic exposure lawyer can be your strongest advocate, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how an attorney can help you succeed in your claim:

Investigate the source of the exposure and gather supportable evidence.
Build a strong narrative backed by medical records and expert witnesses.
Negotiate with employers or insurance companies to avoid lowball settlements.
Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

Take Control of Your Health and Rights

Don’t just hire any lawyer. Hire a lawyer with experience in toxic exposure VA claims and workers’ comp for chemical exposure. At DM Injury Law, our attorneys and support staff of investigators, case managers, and medical records specialists have aggressively fought for the rights of workers in various industries.

Take a look at some of our successful case results for workplace-related injuries:

$4,850,000: Our client was electrocuted to death at work.
$1,080,000: Our client’s father was a contractor killed at work.

Have you suffered toxic exposure due to your job? Tell us your story over a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.

We have offices all over the Midwest, including:  

We also take cases in Illinois.

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