Working in a North Dakota oilfield can have long-term health consequences if you are exposed to toxic chemicals or chemicals that become toxic in combination. The negligent practices of some employers make oilfield toxic exposure more likely or leave workers unaware of the hazards they face. If you’ve been exposed to toxins in a North Dakota oilfield and became ill as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Toxic Exposure in Oilfields
Oilfield work includes potential exposure to chemicals like benzene and hydrogen sulfide as well as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. Exposure to these chemicals and radioactive materials can have a range of long-term health consequences.
According to the Science of the Total Environment, even upstream exposure to an oilfield is associated with increases in cancer, immunodeficiency, liver damage, and neurological issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control, exposure to hydrogen sulfide or “sour gas” is toxic, and exposure to volatile hydrocarbons causes breathing, eye, and nervous system problems. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that exposure to oilfield toxins can cause a wide range of acute respiratory and physical problems.
Some oilfield workers suffer severe long-term health consequences from their exposure to toxins, which can leave them facing disability or even death.
Respiratory Ailments
Oilfield workers involved in drilling and extraction are frequently exposed to particles and fumes that can cause long-term respiratory ailments, with symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Asthma
Cancer
Exposure to the known carcinogen benzene can put oilfield workers at increased risk of leukemia and other types of cancer. Exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material can also increase your risk of developing cancer.
Neurological Disorders
Some of the chemicals oilfield workers are often exposed to can trigger neurological disorders, with symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of memory
- Fatigue
- Cognitive decline
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to determine whether oilfield toxic exposure is the cause.
Other Medical Consequences of Oilfield Toxic Exposure
Other long-term medical consequences of oilfield toxic exposure include:
- Rashes
- Skin irritation
- Dermatitis
- Abnormalities in pregnancy
- Decreased fertility
The possible symptoms of oilfield toxic exposure vary so widely because they are caused by a number of different chemicals and compounds to which some people are more sensitive than others.
Medical Treatment for Oilfield Toxic Exposure
Medical treatment for oilfield toxic exposure varies depending on symptoms and what the worker was exposed to. According to the Merck Manual, treatment for hydrocarbon poisoning includes:
- Taking off any clothing that was contaminated
- Washing exposed skin
- Oxygen treatment
- Antibiotics in the event of breathing problems
Treatment for hydrogen sulfide exposure includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a pressurized chamber. Treatment for oilfield toxic exposure can require ongoing physical therapy, medical visits, and medication for pain management and to prevent infection. Some exposed oilfield workers need wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
Legal Options for Oilfield Toxic Exposure Victims
If you’ve been exposed to toxic substances while working on an oilfield, you do have legal options. If your employers didn’t provide you with sufficient training or safety gear or didn’t provide you with adequate warnings about your exposure to toxic substances, you can hold them liable for their negligence. A North Dakota oilfield toxic exposure attorney can help you pursue compensation for your losses, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to oilfield toxic exposure.
Contact a North Dakota Oilfield Toxic Exposure Attorney
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is a North Dakota oilfield toxic exposure attorney. Founded in 1909, we’ve been providing trusted legal counsel since long before oil was first found in North Dakota. We have the experience and the legal knowledge to aggressively pursue compensation for your oilfield toxic exposure losses. Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. for the high-quality representation you need.
