Working in dangerous settings sometimes offers high-value benefits, leading many to excuse or practice poor safety procedures. This mindset can lead to hazardous contact with toxic substances, causing lasting chemical exposure and brain damage. Common job sites where you may inhale, ingest, or come in contact with dangerous chemicals include:
- Factory floors
- Processing plants
- Manufacturing centers
- Storage facilities
- Construction sites
Wondering, “Can chemical exposure at work cause mild brain damage,” often means you’re looking for neurologists in NY because you know something’s not right. Learn more about chemically caused brain damage, what neurological problems you may experience, and what to expect when contacting a brain injury specialist.
What Chemicals Can Cause Brain Damage?
Many jobs result in chemical exposure, even when it may not seem possible or obvious. Many chemicals can cause damage to the brain, with some resulting in permanent brain injury. Learning how exposure to toxic chemicals can damage your brain may help you recognize potential symptoms of brain damage.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning happens quickly and easily because you can’t see, smell, or taste the gas. Most people won’t know that their strange symptoms come from poisoning, continuing to work around and inhale the gas. The lack of oxygen suffered during this period can cause brain damage.
Carbon monoxide poisoning often occurs as a byproduct of burning fuel in an enclosed space. As the fuel burns up the oxygen, carbon monoxide replaces it. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Vehicle and Aviation Fuels
Working with fuel requires personal safety equipment and proper training and protocols to protect employees against chemical exposure. Truck drivers, equipment operators, and similar positions often expose workers to fuel gasses. Fuel inhalation that causes brain damage may include symptoms like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hearing loss
- Sleep disorders
Metals
Common heavy metals that can damage your brain include lead and mercury. For centuries, humanity used these two substances with no idea of the damage they created, but today most people know the dangers of lead or mercury exposure. However, some forms of production require lead or mercury, putting workers in regular contact with the harmful metals.
Most companies that use heavy metals in production or manufacturing train employees on proper handling techniques. However, accidents may happen when an employee absorbs the heavy metal, usually through physical contact or exposure to dust particles. Signs of heavy metal poisoning may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor visual function
- Poor fine motor skills
- Slow response to stimuli
Solvents
Many industries use solvents for work-related activities, risking employees’ health with long-term exposure if they fail to wear proper protective gear and follow safety standards. Solvents include items like nail polish remover, paint thinner, or construction glue. Failing to adequately ventilate an area or control the use of solvents may lead to brain damage.
Symptoms of brain damage due to solvents include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Loss of the sense of smell
Chemical Exposure Brain Damage Symptoms
Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals may cause slow changes in your brain and senses. Some of these problems may take years to notice until one day, you wonder, “Can chemical exposure at work cause mild brain damage?” If a friend, family member, or coworker suggests that something seems wrong, don’t take your time when searching through neurologists in NY.
Permanent chemical exposure brain damage symptoms may include:
- Personality changes
- Behavioral changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble seeing, hearing, or speaking
- Seizures
- Prolonged fatigue
- Mood disorders
- Memory loss
- Loss of fine motor skills
What To Do When You Suspect Chemical Exposure Brain Damage
If you believe that you have symptoms from long-term toxic chemical exposure and notice changes in your personal and professional abilities, notify your employer. Workers’ compensation offers employees financial assistance during medical procedures and therapies related to a work injury. While workers’ comp should cover your damages, you may have trouble proving that your exposure occurred through work.
After notifying your employer of potential chemically induced brain damage, seek a brain injury specialist who accepts workers’ compensation claims. The sooner you get proof that chemicals have altered your brain’s functionality, the better chance you have of claiming workers’ compensation.
Your next steps should include visiting a neurologist specializing in recognizing and diagnosing brain damage due to chemical exposure and following their treatment plan. During your consultation, know how to discuss potential chemical exposure, so your neurologist knows what signs to look for.
Forms of toxic chemical exposure include:
Inhalation
Some toxic substances enter your body while you breathe, including vapors, powders, dust, or mists. Face masks designed specifically for certain chemicals protect you, but if your employer didn’t provide proper equipment, you might have inhaled toxic chemicals.
Ingestion
Unknowingly ingesting food or drink tainted with a toxic chemical may occur while on a job site. You may also have chemicals on your hands and ingest them accidentally by using your hands to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Direct Contact
Gloves, boots, and in some cases, entire bodysuits can protect you from some toxic chemicals. If you work in a dangerous environment without the proper protective gear, you may have brain damage from chemical exposure.
Ask for a copy of all medical documents at each visit, so you have a paper trail. Each time something changes in your treatment, note whether the change happened due to further brain damage or chemical exposure.
How Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. Can Help You
Not all neurologists in NY accept workers’ compensation claims. Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. does take it, and our specialists know how to diagnose and treat patients asking, “Can chemical exposure at work cause mild brain damage.” Our experts focus on ensuring you suffer as little downtime as possible, working with you to prevent permanent brain damage or worsening conditions.
Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. can guide you through the treatment and recovery if you believe you’ve suffered brain damage from toxic chemical exposure at work. Our doctors accept workers’ compensation, no-fault, and most health insurance plans. Schedule an appointment today and ensure the best care possible. Same-day appointments may be available.
