Gas fumes can lead to toxic exposure in the long and short term
Gas fumes can lead to toxic exposure in the long and short term
Working in the oil and gas industry is not an easy occupation. Though you may have tried your best to handle your work-related duties as well as possible, you may not have escaped the potential dangers of your job. Unfortunately, individuals who face long-term exposure to petroleum or oil fumes can face negative health effects.
Though safety measures are undoubtedly in place to help you work more safely, you could still suffer the adverse effects of toxic exposure due to working around gas fumes. Even if you work out in the open, long-term exposure could cause your health to suffer.
What’s the danger?
Though you work around petroleum gas and millions of people use it every day for various purposes, gasoline has hydrocarbons, which are formed from hydrogen and carbon molecules. Though hydrocarbons are organic substances, they make many substances, including petroleum, poisonous. Though ingesting gasoline can certainly cause a host of health issues, you likely take enough precautions for that to not happen on the job.
Still, exposure to gas vapors can result in serious lung damage. In fact, over the years, continual exposure could result in your lungs deteriorating. Exposure to these fumes could even contribute to the development of lung cancer later in life.
Short-term exposure
Ending up trapped in a confined space with these toxic fumes even for a short time can also cause considerable harm, even death. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to feelings of nausea and dizziness and can even cause you to vomit or pass out. In some cases, carbon monoxide poisoning could even lead to brain damage. Unfortunately, because carbon monoxide has no color or odor, feeling ill could hit before you even know what the problem is.
If you start feeling ill while on the job or experience difficulties breathing outside of work, it is important that you get medical attention as soon as possible. Various symptoms can come with toxic exposure to petroleum fumes, and you do not want to risk your health.
What if you are ill?
In the event that you do suffer serious illness or long-term lung damage due to the exposure you faced while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. These benefits could address medical expenses, lost wages and more. However, obtaining the workers’ comp you deserve is not always easy, so you may want to work with a Louisiana attorney who could help you handle necessary paperwork to apply for benefits and work on your behalf to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
