Spills of hazardous chemicals, whether purposeful or accidental, can cause incredible harm to property, infrastructure, and human health. Spills of toxic chemicals can occur in many ways:
Environmental laws have different ways of defining spills of dangerous and toxic substances. The words “discharge” and “release” are used by laws that apply in New Jersey. For example, the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act says that a “discharge” is an “intentional or unintentional action or omission resulting in the releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying or dumping of hazardous substances.” The federal Superfund law (called the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act), which applies in New Jersey, uses the word “release.” The federal government says that a release is “any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the abandonment or discarding of barrels, containers, and other closed receptacles containing any hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant).”
When something hazardous is released or discharged into the environment, it can have immediate or delayed effects that can go undetected for years. Often, when pollution is released by an industrial or commercial source, it is spilled onto the ground or into waterways. When a substance is spilled, it can penetrate the surface of the ground and impact the soil at a very deep level. The contamination can then leach from the soil into the groundwater. Groundwater is always flowing beneath us. When a substance penetrates the groundwater, it can travel or “migrate” far distances, impacting other resources in its path.
Whether a chemical or substance is “hazardous” can depend on the characteristics of the chemical and the law that applies. If you are concerned that you, your family or community may have been exposed to a dangerous chemical, you should immediately contact a toxic injury lawyer with the knowledge and experience to help guide you through the process of protecting your health, your family, your home, and your community. The spills of hazardous chemicals that could impact you are numerous. They can include:
If you have been harmed by exposure from a hazardous chemical, or if you fear that your proximity to a spill may affect your health in the future, you should know your legal rights and ask a lawyer to help you evaluate your options. Take action now and call the Toxic Injury Lawyers. Our staff is courteous and responsive. Our attorneys fight for people and communities that have been harmed by chemical spills. With our many years of experience, we strive for results that provide lasting relief to people in need. Call now: 732-355-1311 or submit your case inquiry here.