Beryllium Sensitivity Is Real and Is a Dangerous Health Condition
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that as many as 15 percent of Americans exposed to prolonged contact with beryllium eventually contract some kind of health problem. Workers in the mining, extraction and metal alloy processing industries are at highest risk of contracting beryllium sensitivity, leading to possible chronic beryllium disease (CBD), characterized by a chronic scarring of the lungs.
CBD results from the repeated inhalation of beryllium dust or fumes. Symptoms of beryllium sensitivity and CBD include:
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty breathing upon physical exertion
- Fatigue
- Chest and joint pain
- Weight loss
- Fever
After prolonged or extensive exposure, symptoms of beryllium sensitivity can take anywhere from several months to 30 years to develop.
Millions of Americans work with hazardous materials and chemicals in a toxic environment. Strict government regulations are in place to ensure the reasonable health and safety of workers who come in contact with toxic materials such as beryllium dust and asbestos fibers.
If you have been diagnosed with a respiratory disease or chronic beryllium disease and suspect it is the result of exposure to beryllium or other toxic substance, talk to a Kansas City berylliosis lawyer at Humphrey, Farrington & McClain about your legal options. Our trial attorneys are nationally recognized for tort litigation relating to environmental and toxic exposure, and have obtained over $800 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of victims injured by hazardous materials and contamination in their community or workplace.
From our offices in Independence, Missouri, our lawyers represent clients in individual and class action lawsuits in courts throughout Missouri, Kansas, and the United States. Contact us to arrange a free consultation.
