Poor Air Quality
The Result of Plant Explosions
In the aftermath of a plant explosion, the noticeable effects might not
accurately reflect the true damage caused by the disaster. While it can
be easy to identify roof destruction and the injuries that result from
an explosion, it can be much more difficult to spot other effects that
could be significantly more damaging than those that were immediately
revealed. Take, for example,
property contamination; the toxins and hazardous chemicals that are released into the air upon
explosion or fire can travel beyond the perimeters of the plant on which
the explosion occurred. In effect, the businesses and landowners nearby
the plant can be adversely affected by contamination to their water and crops.
Poor air quality is another great example of the seemingly invisible damages
that can result from a
plant explosion or refinery fire in your area. Although the immediate response to a disaster
of this nature will, of course, be to attend to the injuries of victims,
and remedy the physical
property damage that resulted, other resources need to be utilized to fully treat the
effects of an explosion. In addition, divisions of the federal government,
such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will need to be involved.
The harmful toxins that can be released during and directly following
an explosion pose significant risk to workers of the refinery, as well
as business operators and landowners nearby.
Poor Air Quality Can Affect Your Health
Professors of air quality, as well as environmental specialists, have declared
that caustic substances such as ammonia and other hazardous materials
that are stored in plant refineries can be extremely toxic to the environment,
as well as the people directly in their vicinity. As such, the Environmental
Protection Agency and the state Division of Air Quality must both be sent
to the property to conduct investigations and manage the estate as necessary.
This could require devising an emergency response plan or developing a
standardized protocol for storing hazardous materials.
Unfortunately, even an immediate response from environmental agencies might
not be enough to stop the toxic damage from a plant explosion. In fact,
it is quite likely that the actions taken in response to a disaster such
as this will be geared more toward future prevention. Therefore, surrounding
residents and business owners in the area need to secure legal representation
that can help them protect against the harmful environmental effects of
an explosion.
The following health conditions could develop as a result of prolonged
exposure to poor air quality:
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Heart Disease
Taking Legal Action: Contact Arnold & Itkin LLP
At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we can help you file a claim or pursue a lawsuit
if poor air quality has affected your health. Although less publicized,
poor air quality is a serious issue that often results in the aftermath
of a plant explosion. As such, it is an issue that deserves just as much
legal attention as the injuries and other forms of property damage that
typically result. Our attorneys recognized this fact long ago, and we
continue to provide effective legal representation to the victims of plant
explosions who are suffering from the effects of the poor air quality
that resulted. The legal services provided to you at our office are offered
completed free of any upfront fees. In fact, we will not charge you a
single dime until we have successfully secured a favorable result on your behalf!
Contact us now for a free consult.