(407) 712-7300Pesticides are toxins used to kill insects, rodents, and other pests, but few of them target specific creatures. A good portion of these toxins work on the human body in much the same way as they do on the pests they are formulated to kill. People are exposed to pesticides every day, and improper use or disposal can elevate exposure to dangerous levels.
If you suspect you or a loved one suffered exposure to pesticides, our environmental claims lawyers will investigate the causes of your sickness and injuries to determine whether they were actually caused by environmental contamination. We will work hard to show that your injuries are a direct result of the toxic emissions or materials in your environment and hold responsible the companies that released the toxins to make sure they do not profit from their negligence. Call (407) 712-7300 today for a free claim review.
Pests
Pesticides are more than just insecticides. They are used to kill:
- Insects
- Rodents
- Weeds
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Prions
“Pest” is not a biological classification, it is a social label, and because of this, pesticides kill more non-pests than pests. A pesticide designed to kill rats will kill hamsters, cats, dogs, and even children.
How People Are Exposed to Harmful Levels of Pesticides
Certain jobs, such as fruit picking, put workers at an elevated risk. The general public is exposed to pesticides in less obvious ways, often due to businesses mishandling the toxic substances. People are exposed to pesticides through:
- Food
- Indoor and outdoor air
- Contaminated soil
- Agricultural run-off
- Contaminated water table
If you live downstream or downwind from agricultural land, especially corporate mega-farms, you are at a high risk for pesticide exposure.
The Dangers of Pesticides
Pesticides kill pests in a number of ways. Many act on the nervous system, while others work on the reproductive systems of the pests they are meant to destroy. The effects on humans can be immediate poisoning, or more long term consequences such as:
- Brain damage
- Cancer
- Nerve damage
- Hormonal problems
- Parkinsons disease
- Developmental problems
- Birth Defects
- Childhood cancers
Birth defects linked to pesticides include:
- Heart defects
- Neural tube defects
- Oral clefts
- Undeveloped jaws
- Limb defects
- Missing limbs
Companies are sloppy with pesticide use because it takes time and money to properly apply and dispose of pesticides. Because of their negligence, pesticides diminish the quality of life for entire communities and can even kill. Not only that, but they can also destroy your property. Contaminated soil and contaminated wells can render your land your home useless and unlivable, and make it impossible to sell.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been injured or has suffered an illness due to pesticide exposure, you have a responsibility to speak up, not only for yourself, but for your community, where many others may be suffering as well. Please contact Colling Gilbert Wright online or call (407) 712-7300 today.
