Toxic Coal Ash Lawsuit Against EPA Aims To Reduce Mesothelioma Risks

Toxic Coal Ash Lawsuit Against EPA Aims To Reduce Mesothelioma Risks

An environmental advocacy group is suing the Environmental Protection Agency, better known as the EPA. The group alleges that the FDA has failed to provide adequate protection against the threats of toxic coal ash produced by coal powered energy companies.

Toxic coal ash is a waste material produced after coal is burned. It is composed of “arsenic, mercury, lead and over a dozen other heavy metals, many of them toxic,” according to a group of medical professionals. Contamination from the toxic substance was verified in sixteen states, including both North and South Carolina.

The hazardous, radioactive material enters groundwater and contaminates drinking supplies. When consumed, the substance can lead to nervous-system diseases and various cancers, including mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Risks

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, deadly cancer that attacks the thin layer of tissue surrounding internal organs. Professionals at Mayo Clinic note that this form of cancer can lead to many symptoms and complications, including:

• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Pain in the chest area
• Swelling of the face and neck
• Build up of fluid in chest

Although treatments are available, a cure has yet to be developed.

Liability Associated With Mesothelioma

If the environmental advocacy group wins its lawsuit with against the FDA a more strict set of rules focused on how coal companies handle toxic coal ash may be enacted.

Even without this ruling, coal companies are held to certain standards. Various pieces of legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, are designed to ensure coal and other companies keep the environment free of hazards. If a corporation fails to meet these regulations they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Victims may be eligible to receive compensation to cover the cost of medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as pain and suffering. If you or a loved one is injured from exposure to toxic coal ash, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.