subject: Birth Defects from Computer Industry Chemical Exposure [print this page] Birth Defects from Computer Industry Chemical Exposure
Individuals who work or were previously employed by the semiconductor chip industry from 1986 to 2000 are at an increased risk of developing serious life-threatening injuries due to their exposure to toxic chemicals and other substances. Both direct and indirect exposure to air contaminated with toxic chemicals can result in major health issues in adults and may cause birth defects in newborns.
An experienced birth defect lawyer will help clients navigate a toxic tort or birth injury claim and work diligently to obtain adequate compensation for the injuries of a disabled child. Clients may seek compensation for damages or costs including medical bills, pain and suffering and loss of consortium.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
The manufacturing process in the semiconductor industry uses a multitude of hazardous chemicals to produce computer components like disc drives, circuit boards and silicon chips or wafers. Many of these chips and other manufactured goods are made in "clean rooms" which are designed to protect the chips. However, the system of recirculating the air exposes many employees to dangerous toxic chemicals such as:
Ethylene Glycol Ethers (EGE)
Acetone
Benzene
Cadmium
Hydrochloric Acid
Lead
Methyl Chloroform
Arsenic
Birth Defects Associated with Toxic Chemical Exposure
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, "Occupation exposure to organic solvents during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of major fetal malformations." Inhalation or direct skin exposure to the toxic chemicals listed above may lead to serious birth defects including:
Damage to a pregnant woman's embryo or fetus
Miscarriage or abortion
Oral-facial clefts
Neural tube defects spina bifida (cleft or open spine), anencephaly (underdeveloped brain and skull), encephalocele (hole in the skull)
