While it is no secret that certain West Virginia work environments are more dangerous than others, those who live and work near the state’s oil and gas developments may face particularly high risks of chemical exposure and related health risks. At Gellner Law Offices, we recognize that prolonged exposure to certain chemicals and substances can have considerable effects on your overall health.
According to Scientific American, living near oil refineries has the potential to lead to a range of health complications, including elevated risks of migraines, dizziness and shortness of breath. If those who simply live near oil and gas developments face increased risks of health complications, those who work directly on these sites are even more at risk.
For example, exposure to certain air pollutants, such as benzene, which comes from burning oil and is common on many oil and gas sites, can lead to a range of health complications. Toluene, which is a substance used to produce benzene, can also lead to a number of complications for those who undergo long-term exposure, with many people exposed to toluene experiencing headaches, sore throats and upper respiratory tract irritation, among related symptoms.
Exposure to smog, too, can impact your health when you work in the oil and gas industry. Over time, exposure to smog can cause heart problems, wheezing and asthma, among other health issues. You can find out more about the health concerns faced by oil and gas industry workers by visiting our webpage.
