Vinyl chloride has been deemed a carcinogenic substance by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the substance has been found to be so toxic that there is no level of safe exposure.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the National Toxicology Program, classifies vinyl chloride as a documented carcinogen. In fact, vinyl chloride appears in all registered carcinogen indices, and there is no level of exposure at which the adverse health effects are negligible.
It is considered both a nephrotoxin (substance harmful to the kidneys) and a heptotoxin (substance harmful to the liver).
The following are some health risks and symptoms which may develop with prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride:
. Lymphoma: Cancer which develops in the lymphatic system, a major component of the immune system.
. Leukemia: A proliferation of white blood cells is a signature of the malignant condition.
. Angiosarcoma, which is lung, liver and brain: It is a cancer that is first developed within the blood vessel's lining.
. Adenocarcinoma: Malignant tumors which form in the glandular tissue of organs (e.g. lungs, cervix, prostate).
. Pseudo-scleroderma: A progressive disease characterized by the deposition of fibrous connective tissue in the skin and often in internal organs; results in the hardening of skin including swelling or thickening.
. Acro-osteolysis: Marked by ulcers on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, also disintegration and fragmentation of the ends of the fingers and toes.
. Various fetal damage issues, spontaneous abortions and birth defects.
. Upper respiratory irritation: including, but not limited to, asthma, allergies, pneumonitis and bronchitis.
. Raynaud's Phenomenon (a condition affecting the toes, finger, ears and nose and within those parts the blood vessels are severely affected. The disorder is characterized by episodic attacks, called vasospastic attacks that cause the blood vessels in the extremities to constrict and cause feelings of coolness and numbness.
. Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, unconsciousness.
. Nausea, stomach ulcers.
. Frostbite: With exposure to liquid vinyl chloride.
Individuals who have been exposed to vinyl chloride should seek out a medical physician immediately and local authorities for an inspection for domestic or occupational exposure. Many manufacturing and processing plants in the country use vinyl chloride, however not very many produce it.
Vinyl chloride monomer is presently produced at 12 locations in the United States:
. Westlake, Calvert City, KY.
. Borden, Geismar, LA.
. Condea Vista, Lake Charles, LA.
. Dow, Plaquemine, LA.
. Formosa, Baton Rouge, LA.
. Georgia Gulf, Plaquemine, LA.
. PHH Monomers, Lake Charles, LA.
. Dow, Freeport, TX.
. Formosa, Point Comfort, TX.
. Geon, LaPorte, TX.
. OxyChem, Deer Park, TX.
. OxyMar, Ingleside, TX
Toxic tort law exists to protect you and those you know from hazardous and harmful exposure to substances like vinyl chloride. Intentional carelessness or negligence is unnecessary and no individual should be exposed to it.
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