{"id":353383,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:55","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/toxic-chemicals-materials.html"},"modified":"2024-09-11T14:20:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T19:20:23","slug":"toxic-chemicals-materials","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/toxic-chemicals-materials.html","title":{"rendered":"Toxic Chemicals and Materials Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Toxic Chemicals and Materials Law<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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You can find toxic chemicals in items ranging from household goods to industrial materials, and exposure can lead to long-term illnesses and health issues. When injuries occur, affected individuals may have legal options through product liability or toxic tort claims.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Many products contain toxic chemicals and materials. This includes consumer goods, homes and home furnishings, work materials, and more. These toxic substances give rise to severe injuries. Most consumers presume that these products are safe. They don’t realize that companies still use hazardous substances despite warnings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency<\/a> (EPA).<\/p>\n

This article discusses common toxins you can find in consumer products. It also explains how manufacturers can be liable for health problems and injuries arising from harmful materials.<\/p>\n

If you have developed an illness after exposure to a toxic material or substance, you have legal rights. A product liability attorney near you can assess your situation and determine if you have a valid claim. Share your story and learn your legal options by reaching out to a lawyer near you<\/a> today.<\/p>\n

Do Companies Still Use Hazardous Materials?<\/h2>\n

Most manufacturers have stopped using toxic chemicals and materials. Some have done this because it makes their products safe for customers. Others have only stopped using dangerous chemicals because the law dictates it.<\/p>\n

Congress has passed many laws to protect the public health. An example is the Toxic Substances Control Act<\/a>. This law requires companies to test all products for toxins before manufacturing them. Various regulatory bodies also track product safety to help protect consumers.<\/p>\n

The federal government bans using lead-based paints, DDT, and asbestos in most products. But, even after manufacturers stop using a given substance, lawsuits over injuries arising from years of exposure can continue.<\/p>\n

Illnesses arising from toxic materials or hazardous chemicals can give rise to injury claims. Some consumers file product liability lawsuits or sue under “toxic tort<\/a>.” Others file individual personal injury claims. It all depends on the facts of the case.<\/p>\n

What Types of Products Threaten Human Health?<\/h2>\n

Certain chemical products are more dangerous than others. Asbestos, for example, is toxic to all humans. Lead exposure<\/a> is another danger. While lead is more dangerous for children, it’s still a toxin. Exposure to mixtures of these chemical substances can cause severe health effects.<\/p>\n

Some of the more\u00a0dangerous consumer and household products<\/a>\u00a0include:<\/p>\n