The improper handling of toxic chemicals and waste has led to human illness and suffering. Industries, both public and private, must be held accountable for their irresponsible behavior in the manufacture and use of deadly compounds and in the disposal of poisonous waste.

Gilreath & Associates is a leading advocate for individuals injured through environmental contamination. One of the great tragedies of our nation today is the amount of toxic damage to our air, water, and soil. Sources of environmental contamination include gas stations, machine shops, railroad yards, chemical plants, dry cleaning stores, chemical waste storage facilities, oil refineries, and landfills.

Air pollution comes from a large number of sources, including traffic, heating, long-distance transport, and industry. Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as gasoline and industrial chemicals and solvents, are all major sources of pollution that can lead to serious health problems, such as respiratory distress and cancer.

Water contamination is caused by several things, including agricultural runoff, improper use of household chemicals, septic systems and cesspools, underground fuel storage tanks, toxic waste dumps and landfills, and municipal water and waste treatment plants. Ground water can remain contaminated for thousands of years, leading to serious health concerns for millions of people.

Soil contamination occurs when a body of water is contaminated with chemicals or heavy metals. When contaminated regions flood, chemicals and other hazardous materials can settle on large areas and pollute the soil. You can be exposed to these soil contaminants through skin contact (walking on the soil or gardening), inhalation (creating dust in the yard or tracking dust into the home), and ingestion (eating vegetables grown in the soil).

Environmental contamination can cause serious injuries, including:
· Various forms of cancer, including lung, brain,   kidney, leukemia, or lymphoma.
· Various forms of learning disability, including   Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention    Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and learning   disability.
· Birth defects when the mother is exposed before   or during pregnancy
· Breathing difficulties, allergies and other respiratory   conditions.
· Various stomach, heart, kidney, and liver   conditions.
· Nervous system disorders, including reflex   malfunction and headaches.

If you have been injured from environmental contamination, you may be entitled to damages. Compensation in pollution and toxic injury cases includes medical monitoring expenses, emotional distress, loss of quality of lifestyle, property damage, personal injury, and punitive damages.