Environmental & Toxic Products Law

Protect yourself and your loved ones

Exposure to toxic substances in your environment can leave you permanently injured.  If you or a loved one became ill after exposure to any of the substances listed here, speak to the lawyers at THE YANKOWITZ LAW FIRM.

We represent victims of toxic substances in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and nationwide through our affiliated offices.

Call our office at 1-800-LAW-3333 or email the firm for a free consultation.

The dangers of asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that was extremely popular in construction during the twentieth century.  Many products may expose you to asbestos particles, which embed themselves in the lungs of exposure victims, such as:

The most commonly affected victims are construction workers and others who encounter asbestos in the workplace.  They may also expose their family when asbestos fibers travel on their clothing and infect their loved ones.

Asbestos causes mesothelioma and increases the chance and severity of lung cancer and asbestosis.

Toxic Chinese drywall

Construction crews built thousands of houses with drywall imported from China between 2004 and 2007.  It has become clear that much of this drywall is toxic.  The drywall emits sulfide gases that corrode copper and cause numerous health problems.

There are warning signs that may indicate you have toxic drywall in your house:

• Smell of rotten eggs
• Corroded electrical wiring
• Electrical problems
• Headaches or visual changes

Not all drywall exported from China is toxic, but if yours is, your health is likely to be extremely compromised.   It is vital that you do not remove any of the drywall before speaking to a lawyer because we have to collect evidence properly.

Benzene exposure can make you sick

Benzene is a chemical that, if exposed to it, causes your cells to malfunction.  It can damage the immune system, among other body functions.

Your benzene exposure can occur when you are around certain products containing the chemical, like glue or paints.  Your job may also expose you to dangerous benzene products.

The symptoms of toxic exposure range in severity, often beginning soon after breathing in or ingesting the benzene:

Contact THE YANKOWITZ LAW FIRM as soon as possible to begin developing your benzene exposure lawsuit.

Lead poisoning victims

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “[approximately] 250,000 U.S. children aged 1-5 years have blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.”  This is the level at which the CDC recommends taking health action.

Lead is a highly toxic metal used for many years in products found in and around the home. While there are many sources of lead, the most common is lead-based paint found in many older homes. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978, and it was banned in New York City in 1960. In general, the older your home, the more likely lead-based paint will be found there. Other places and activities where lead can be found include soil, drinking water, and children’s jewelry.

Lead is a dangerous substance, especially for young children. Lead can enter the body when someone puts his or her hands or other objects covered with lead dust into their mouths. Lead can also enter the body when someone eats paint chips or soil containing lead, or breathes in lead dust, especially during property renovation projects that disturb painted surfaces.

Babies and young children are more susceptible to lead poisoning because they often put their hands or other objects in their mouths. Their growing bodies also absorb more lead, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

You have a right to be safe in your home, work, and educational environment. Call our office at 1-800-LAW-3333 if you believe that you or a loved one is the victim of lead exposure.

Carbon monoxide poisoning facts

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill.  Toxic exposure results from heating systems, fuel exhaust, and other combustion fumes, usually in enclosed spaces.

Victims of carbon monoxide experience a range of symptoms, but the fumes quickly render them unconscious and can kill without advanced warning:

When you believe that someone else was negligent in causing you or your loved one’s carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to speak to a lawyer immediately. Call the Yankowitz Law Firm at 1-800-LAW-3333.

What is manganese poisoning?

Manufacturers use manganese, a naturally occurring substance in many rocks, in many products.  You can find manganese in food and other products:

You need a certain amount of manganese in your diet to remain healthy.  Nevertheless, steel workers and other occupations that expose workers to manganese can suffer health problems.  Inhalation of manganese causes behavioral problems and affects the nervous system.

Call us at 1-800-LAW-3333, speak to Attorney Jack Yankowitz directly. Let us protect your legal rights and help you obtain the justice and financial compensation you deserve. When you retain The Yankowitz Law Firm, we represent you on a contingency fee basis i.e. our fee is earned and paid only from the money we recover for you.