Agrichemicals are chemicals used on farms to serve a number of purposes and can be an integral part of farm operations. Unfortunately, the presence of farm chemicals can pose serious risks to those around them. When exposed to toxic farm chemicals, a person can suffer seriously debilitating health consequences. Toxic exposure on a farm can occur due to a person touching, breathing, or ingesting dangerous chemicals.
Because of the variety of ways a person may be exposed to dangerous farm chemicals, farmers and those in the agricultural industry must take certain measures to safely handle these substances and prevent toxic exposure as much as possible. This involves properly storing, disposing, transporting, and using these toxic substances.
Unfortunately, negligence in farming practices can often lead to toxic exposure. As a result, those exposed to the toxic substances find themselves with long-lasting health issues that can sometimes prove fatal. If you have suffered toxic exposure on a farm, talk to the team at Pringle & Herigstad about your options for pursuing monetary compensation for your injuries.
Commonly Used Farm Chemicals
Pesticides are chemicals used on farms to promote growth and deter pests and weeds that can damage crops. Pesticides can be broken down into several categories, each serving a unique purpose.
- Herbicides: These are pesticides used to kill weeds. When not controlled, weed growth can choke out crop growth. Through the use of herbicides, crops can flourish without unwanted plants taking over. Glyphosate is an example of a commonly used herbicide on farms.
- Insecticides: These are pesticides used to kill insects. Some insecticides target insect eggs and larvae, killing the insect before it has a chance to hatch and wreak havoc on crops. Aluminum and zinc phosphide are commonly used insecticides on farms.
- Fungicides: These are pesticides used to kill fungus and fungal spores. Sulfur is commonly an active ingredient in fungicides.
In addition to pesticides, fertilizers are also common chemicals used on farms. As opposed to fighting a nuisance, fertilizers are used to actively encourage crop growth. Unfortunately, fertilizers can be quite toxic to humans. Anhydrous ammonia, for instance, is a common type of fertilizer used in the agricultural industry and it can have serious, even fatal, consequences for those exposed to it.
Symptoms of Toxic Exposure
Toxic chemicals on farms can have devastating health consequences for those exposed to them. For instance, pesticides are not just harmful to weeds and bugs, they can be harmful to humans as well. Reactions to farm toxic exposure can vary in symptoms and severity. Some of the most common symptoms of toxic exposure are:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pains
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Swelling
- Fever
- Sweating
- Burning and watery eyes
- Burning in the nose, mouth, lips, or throat
If you experience any of these symptoms while around toxic farm chemicals, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. The health effects of such exposure can go much deeper than the initial symptoms and can have permanent impacts on your health.
Health Impacts of Toxic Exposure
Farm toxic exposure can lead to both acute health effects as well as delayed health effects. Acute health effects present themselves right away or not too long after exposure. Other health impacts from toxic exposure may be chronic. These are long-term health effects that may take years to fully present themselves and can be permanent. The health implications for those exposed to toxic farm chemicals can be devastating. Some of the more common health effects include:
- Nervous system damage
- Reproductive problems
- Cancer
- Burns
- Poisoning
- Lung damage
- Lung scarring
- Liver damage
- Internal organ damage
- Parkinson’s disease
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, not just those who directly work in and around farm chemicals can suffer exposure-related health problems. Farm chemicals can infiltrate the soil, water, and air surrounding the farmland. This means that those who live in close proximity to farms can suffer exposure to those toxic chemicals and sustain negative health consequences as a result.
Contact Our North Dakota Farm Toxic Exposure Attorney
When those in the farm industry fail to exercise due care in the use, storage, and disposal of toxic chemicals, others stand to suffer serious and lasting health impacts. If you have experienced adverse health consequences due to toxic exposure from farm chemicals, you have a lot on your plate already. The treatment alone can be extensive and impact many different facets of your life.
While you are on your road to recovery, we can help you get the monetary recovery you deserve from those responsible for your toxic exposure. Do not delay in reaching out to our office for assistance. Contact us today for a free consultation.
