Deck Fires Linked to Cancer & Neurological Problems : Bagolie Friedman Trial Lawyers Investigating The Health Risks of Burning Pressure Treated Lumber
Bagolie Friedman Trial Lawyers are investigating claims involving health problems and cancer resulting from the toxic fumes created fighting a wood deck fire.
(PRWEB) March 14, 2005 -- Bagolie Friedman Trial Lawyers are investigating
claims involving health problems and cancer resulting from the toxic fumes
created fighting a wood deck fire. Over 90 percent of all outdoor wooden
structures in the United States are made with arsenic-treated lumber. Known as
Chromated Copper Arsenate, or CCA, exposure to the chemicals contained in this
pressure treated wood has been linked to lung cancer, bladder cancer, skin
cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, cancer in the nasal passages, high blood
pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The effects of CCA exposure can
also cause hair loss, itching skin and rashes, bleeding neurological problems,
numbness in the arms and legs and gastrointestinal upsets.
CCA-treated
wood, first used in India in 1933 and approved by the American Wood Preservers
Association for use by Bell Telephone Co. in 1950, is resistant to insect
infestation and rot. The copper and arsenic are fungicides and insecticides. The
chromium is primarily a “fixing” agent, bonding the chemicals to the
wood.
The raw lumber is placed in a pressure cylinder where a vacuum
sucks air and water from the wood cells. The cylinders is then filled with a mix
of water and pesticides and pressure is increased to refill the wood’s cells
with the mixture. As the wood dries, the chemicals are trapped
inside.
CCA wood is most dangerous when it is burned and the arsenic is
released into the air and it concentrates in the ashes. Just one tablespoon of
ash contains a lethal dose of arsenic. "Wood decks, play sets and picnic tables
all pose a risk and firefighters should protect themselves from the fumes
emitted from these fires", said Ricky E. Bagolie, a Jersey City attorney with
Bagolie Friedman who represents firefighters.
Arsenic and chromium are
carcinogens and mutagens, according to the EPA and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration. EPA declared that use of chromated copper arsenate, CCA,
was to end by December 2003. "Exposure can occur through breathing or through
repeated skin contact. High or repeated exposure can cause cancer,
neurotoxicity, including paralysis, warty skin growths, and liver and kidney
failure, all of which should be covered under the Workers' Compensation System"
said Bagolie.
Bagolie Friedman, with offices in Jersey City and Clifton,
New Jersey, Hollywood, Florida and an international affiliation in Brisbane,
Australia, is now evaluating potential claims arising out of exposure to arsenic
and pressure treated wood and are available for a free consultation, toll free,
at 1-866-333-3529 or e-mail protected from spam bots or visit www.bagoliefriedman.com.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb217742.htm