When manufacturers, power plants, and other industries fail to take proper steps to prevent air and water pollution, it is often the people who live around them that pay the price. They may suffer an increased risk of certain health issues, or be forced to clean up the remnants of toxic spills and other types of contamination. Here are seven common types of pollutants you should beware, which you might be exposed to due to air or water pollution:
- Heavy metals
- One of the most common types of pollutants comes from heavy metals, which include things like lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. These metals can cause a variety of health problems in people who are exposed to them, with especially dire effects for children, who can suffer developmental delays or emotional problems from heavy metal poisoning.
- Oil spills
- Oil spills are far more common than most people believe, typically as a result of problems involving the delivery or storage of heating oil. In addition to being dangerously flammable, this oil contains dangerous pollutants like benzene, which can sicken people just from breathing it in.
- Toxic smoke
- Many factories, power plants, and refineries blow off toxic smoke, which can affect anyone downwind from them. This smoke can include dangerous pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, and particulate matter that can cause lung damage and increase the risk of cancer.
- PFAS
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a common type of chemical used in manufacturing, including for creating stain-resistant clothing, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foam. While incredibly useful, these “forever chemicals” are associated with a number of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lowered birth weight, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Nutrient pollution
- This unusual form of pollution rarely hurts people directly, and is typically the result of fertilizer infiltrating water sources from irresponsible farmers. These nutrients, which are meant to help crops grow, can instead result in dangerous algae blooms that can poison the water and increase the risk of environmental damage.
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Pesticides and herbicides are used in great quantities by farmers and gardeners of all types, to ensure their plants are not overrun by insects, rodents, or weeds. However, many of these substances are not safe for human consumption, and many are carcinogenic, increasing the risk of cancer if ingested in sufficient quantities.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- VOCs are a class of chemicals that quickly evaporate into the air, and which can cause serious health problems if inhaled. They can be commonly used in manufacturing everything from paint, to adhesive, to cosmetics, and are especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory issues.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We have extensive experience representing the interests of people injured in catastrophic accidents, including fires, explosions and leaks of toxic materials. If you believe we can be of service to you or a loved one, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.