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Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claims
What is Chromium?
About Chromium
Am I at risk of developing Chromium Poisoning?
People at risk from being exposed to Chromium
Symptoms of Chromium Poisoning
Health problems associated with Chromium Poisoning
Diagnosis of Chromium Poisoning
How will I know if my exposure to Chromium has caused me harm?
Treatment of Chromium Poisoning
What Treatment will I be given if I am suffering from Chromium Poisoning?
Prevention of Chromium Poisoning
How Injuries from Chromium can be prevented
Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start a Claim for Compensation if you develop Chromium Poisoning
What is Chromium?
About Chromium
Chromium and its compounds form a large and varied group of chemicals which present a variety of risks to workers’ health. They are known by the following terms: chromium metal (0) chromium (II), chromium (III) (known as trivalent compounds), chromium (IV) and chromium (V1) (known as hexavalent) compounds.
Chromium itself is a hard, silver metal which is used for chrome plating and in the manufacture of stainless steel. It is not usually considered a health hazard. However, some chromium compounds such as hexavalent compounds are toxic. They include chromium trioxide and chromic acid. Other compounds, called trivalent compounds include chromic oxide and chromic sulphate, and not generally considered toxic.
If you have been exposed to Chromium at work or in the environment you may be able to make a Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Am I at risk of developing Chromium Poisoning?
People at risk from being exposed to Chromium
Chromium compounds are used in dying textiles like silk and wool, in pigments for paint and pottery, in wood preservatives and in catalysts in the chemical manufacturing industry.
Chromium poisoning may occur at work if the necessary protective clothing is not used. Exposure can occur by breathing in dust, by skin contact with solutions or solids or by eating, drinking or smoking in areas where chromium is used. Members of the public could be exposed to it due to a spillage or inadequate safety measures during disposal / incineration.
If you have been exposed to Chromium at work or in the environment you may be able to make a Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Symptoms of Chromium Poisoning
Health problems associated with Chromium Poisoning
All chromium compounds may cause dermatitis and some may cause occupational asthma. They can also cause chrome ulcers which form little holes in the skin. They are not very painful and will heal naturally but they can cause problems if infected.
Short-term effects of exposure to chromium compounds include irritation and inflammation of the nose and upper respiratory tract, and burns if there is contact with the skin. The inhalation of a large concentration of hexavalent compounds may lead to coughing, wheezing, inspiratory pain, fever and loss of weight.
If a worker is exposed to chromium compounds for a long time, they may suffer damage to the nose or chronic rhinitis and bronchitis. Long-term exposure can also lead to conjunctivitis, keratitis and ulcerations on the eyelids. Chromium (V1) compounds are more dangerous than other compound. They are irritants and are also corrosive and inhaled chromium VI can cause lung irritation, obstruction and, possibly, lung cancer.
Prolonged skin contact may lead to irritation and, if skin damage is extensive, sufficient of the compound may be absorbed to cause renal damage and death.
If you have been exposed to Chromium at work or in the environment you may be able to make a Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Diagnosis of Chromium Poisoning
How will I know if my exposure to Chromium has caused me harm?
If you suspect that you may have been exposed to chromium, you should seek medical advice immediately. Simple tests will be able to establish if you have been affected by the chromium at all and treatment is available to attempt to limit the damage caused.
Chronic low-level chromium poisoning frequently does not produce obvious symptoms. A blood test, urinalysis and liver tests are used in cases of suspected chromium poisoning to test the chromium levels in the blood and urine.
If you have been exposed to Chromium at work or in the environment you may be able to make a Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Treatment of Chromium Poisoning
What Treatment will I be given if I am suffering from Chromium Poisoning?
Exposure must stop immediately. The symptoms can then be managed. The body normally removes chromium rapidly. However, acute chromium poisoning may result in death as there is no proven antidote. In these cases, supportive measures may include mechanical ventilation, cardiovascular support and monitoring of kidney and liver functioning.
If you have been exposed to Chromium at work or in the environment you may be able to make a Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Prevention of Chromium Poisoning
How Injuries from Chromium can be prevented
By law, special attention needs to be given to protection of people working with chromium and its compounds. An employer needs to properly assess the risks to their workers’ health and to prevent exposure to chromium and its compounds wherever possible. If it is necessary to use these compounds, then exposure must be adequately controlled.
For chromium (V1) compounds, exposure must be kept within the maximum exposure limit (MEL) of 0.05mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour working day. For other chromium compounds, exposure must be lower than the occupational exposure standard (OES) of 0.5mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour day. Protective measures may include the use of extraction equipment, chemical / mechanical spray suppressants at plating baths, protective clothing and equipment, adequate washing facilities, skin creams and proper training.
Employers should monitor the extent of exposure with a monitoring programme and health checks.
There are detailed regulations in place which are designed to protect all workers from exposure to chemicals and other substances in the workplace and these are called “The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations” or COSHH for short. If a person believes they have been harmed by an exposure to chromium at work or in the environment, then they may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.
Additionally the COSHH Approved Code of Practice Control of Carcinogenic Substances applies to certain compounds.
If you have been exposed to Chromium at work or in the environment you may be able to make a Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Chromium Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start a Claim for Compensation if you develop Chromium Poisoning
If you or anyone you know has developed chromium poisoning or any other industrial disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
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