How to Stay Safe From Toxic Poisoning in the Workplace

Author: Chris S Work
Source: ezinearticles.com

You may think that only someone who works in a chemical plant would have to worry about toxic poisoning, but unfortunately that is not the case. Whether you are a teacher in a public school, a nurse in a hospital, or an office worker in a new, high-tech building, you could be susceptible to toxins in your environment. Toxins are all around us. They are in the new carpeting, in the brown-stained ceiling tiles, and in the cleaning products that are used the workplace on a daily basis.

How do you know if you are being affected by toxins in your environment? The issues associated with these poisons are not always instantly apparent when you transition into your workplace. Pay attention to any physical changes you feel throughout the day. Try to determine if these changes improve when you are not at work. Some symptoms of toxic poisoning can be skin and eye irritations, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or breathing problems. The longer you are exposed to the toxins, the more severe your symptoms may become.

So, what are the most common toxins found in the modern worksite? Mold is the most prevalent source of toxic poisoning. Many people can have a reaction to even small amount of mold in their environment. Mold can be lurking in the walls, carpet and ceiling of your office space, especially if you work in an older building where water leaks are more common. Even if your workplace is brand new construction, you are still vulnerable to toxins. The air in your new space may be polluted with VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. VOCs are emitted from cleaning solutions, paints, and newly installed carpeting. Due to the effects of VOCs, the air quality inside your office could be up to five times more polluted than the outside air.

If you are now more than a little concerned about your workplace environment, what can you do to stay safe from the effects of toxic poisoning? Well, for starters, open your windows whenever possible. That will help to vent the indoor air pollutants. If you can’t get fresh air, at least use a fan to keep air circulating. Make sure your heating and air conditioning vents aren’t covered by furniture or stacks of paperwork. Circulating air will help impede the growth of mold. Check out what types of cleaning products your company uses. Try to get the cleaners to switch to natural products that don’t emit VOCs.

If you have been exposed to toxins in your workplace and have questions regarding your legal rights, Call a Chicago personal injury lawyer at USA Hurt. The consultation is free and you don’t pay unless their Chicago injury lawyers receive compensation for your injuries. Call toll free, 1-866-579-5328 or visit them online.