Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim for Cadmium Dust Exposure in Tampa
If you have received a medical diagnosis related to cadmium dust exposure and you suspect it might be work-related, file a workers’ comp claim in Tampa immediately. Various workers from many industries could be exposed to cadmium dust without even realizing it.
What Is Cadmium Dust and Why Is It Dangerous?
Cadmium is a type of metal found in spent batteries. This material is also useful in creating various types of coatings, including electroplating and older types of marine coating. Some manufacturers use cadmium for solar cells. Finally, cadmium sees plenty of use in nuclear reactors because of its ability to absorb neutrons. Like so many other materials, cadmium is being “phased out” by many industries because of its now-obvious health concerns.
Cadmium can cause all kinds of health problems. Short-term exposure often triggers flu-like symptoms, including fever and chills. The long-term effects include permanent lung damage, kidney disease, and bone disease.
Cadmium is also a known carcinogen. The toxin is mostly associated with lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney cancer.
Which Workplaces Are Exposed to Cadmium Dust in Tampa?
Various workers in Tampa may be exposed to cadmium dust. OSHA states that the most at-risk workers are in construction and manufacturing. Anyone involved with the manufacturing of batteries or solar panels could be at risk.
Perhaps the most dangerous industry for cadmium dust exposure is the recycling industry. Similarly, anyone involved in work on landfills or garbage collection could be exposed to cadmium dust. Often, recycling plants incinerate batteries and other sources of cadmium, thereby emitting cadmium dust into the air.
Tampa Is No Stranger to Workplace Cadmium Dust Exposure
Tampa workers have a history of suffering from cadmium dust exposure. A few years ago in 2021, OSHA fined a Tampa recycling plant almost $320,000 for knowingly exposing workers to unacceptable levels of cadmium, lead, and arsenic. OSHA noted that they had repeatedly warned the company about this safety issue since 2020, but the employer essentially did nothing and continued to endanger workers.
OSHA pointed to specific workplace safety violations, including damaged aluminized jackets, poorly fitted respirators, and sweeping away toxins instead of getting rid of them properly.
How Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Help After Cadmium Exposure?
If you are developing any worrying symptoms and you believe that cadmium exposure might be to blame, a valid workers’ compensation claim should cover 100 percent of your medical bills and the majority of your lost income. Even if you have no symptoms, you should consider asking your doctor to run a few tests if you know for a fact that you were exposed to cadmium at work.
Can a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
Even if there is a slight chance your health issues might be related to cadmium dust exposure on the job, you should explore your legal options with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Tampa. These legal professionals may be able to help you access workers’ comp benefits, and a direct lawsuit against those responsible may also be possible. Learn more by contacting The Franco Law Firm at 813-872-0929.
Sources:
dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20210930
osha.gov/cadmium
