Lawyers.  You hate them when they represent the other guy. You love them when they represent you.  That's how the system works; each side gets one.  In medicine, it's your doctor vs. the Grim Reaper.  That sure makes doctors easier to like. 

The Simmons law firm has offices in Illinois, Missouri, and California.  They are one of a very few firms that have experience in this type of litigation.  Their website contains the box shown at the left, that will surely anger manufacters who already deal with a growing number of outrageously bogus Workers' Compensation Cases.  Still, dangers exist and workers do get hurt.  Manufacturers must protect themselves by managing the fluids and protecting their employees.  The Simmons law firm sent us the following:

Workers Exposed to Metalworking Fluids Pursue Litigation
In 2006, a group of workers employed at an Illinois tool making plant developed a severe respiratory condition and filed a lawsuit against their employer and the producers of the metalworking fluids they had been repeatedly exposed to.  The case was settled, rendering the plaintiffs; and defendants’ identities confidential, but it laid the groundwork for what is a growing concern among workers exposed to metalworking fluids.

THE LINK BETWEEN RESPIRATORY ILLNESS AND MWF
Exposure to metalworking fluids (MWF), either through the skin or by breathing, have been linked to numerous health issues.  These health issues include irritation of the skin, lungs, eyes, nose and throat. Conditions such as dermatitis, acne, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, and a variety of cancers have been associated with exposure to MWFs (NIOSH 1998a).  Water-based metalworking fluids support the growth of biological contaminants, which when inhaled can cause respiratory diseases. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that 1.2 million workers in the machine finishing, machine tooling and other metalworking and metal-forming industries are potentially exposed to organic contaminants through the use of cutting fluids.  In manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, workers exposed to metalworking fluids are at risk of developing long-term health complications.  These exposures are not limited to major automotive plants, but also include small machine shops, metal fabrication shops, and electronic and refrigeration plants.

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH?
If you are experiencing breathing problems as a result of your work environment and exposure to coolants or MWF, contact you doctor.  Arrange to meet with a pulmonologist.  Bring to your appointment a copy of the MSDS for all coolants, biocides, cleaners  and other chemicals you may have been exposed.  Explain your job and work environment to the doctor. Ask the doctor about the possibility of occupational injury and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational asthma and COPD.  Talk to your co-workers.  Are they suffering from the same symptoms as you?  Do they have shortness of breath, coughing or skin irritation? The more you know about your environment and your fellow workers, the better you will be able to discuss your condition with your doctor.  

TAKE LEGAL ACTION
When a person is diagnosed with a respiratory disease as a result of exposure to MWF, the impacts can be long-term and life changing. Having an experienced attorney help you navigate this unknown path can allow you to focus on getting well. Look for an attorney with experience in this area.