Monitoring Toxic Chemicals Not Always a Priority

Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland has issued a call to the EPA to begin enforcing regulations on Chlorosulfonic Acid after an accident in Baltimore exposed hundreds of people to the dangerous substance. The accident, which resulted in a vapor cloud that affected an entire neighborhood, drew calls from local residents for politicians to intervene in areas affected by factories working with this dangerous substance.

Chlorosulfonic Acid had already drawn regulatory attention after a series of accidents across the country posed grave health dangers to thousands of people. But the original date of January 1st, 2017 identified for increased oversight of this chemical came and passed. The head of the EPA has delayed implementation of these rules for a variety of reasons, but Senator Cardin has made it clear that safety must be preeminent, and that additional explanation for continuing to defer enforcement is necessary.

Chlorosulfonic Acid is used in a variety of factory settings, and in its inert form does not pose a danger to workers. But in the right circumstances, a violent reaction can occur, posing danger to the respiratory systems of anyone exposed. These reactions are caused by exposure to the chemical to water.

Unfortunately, water is everywhere in most environments, so Chlorosulfonic Acid must be carefully monitored to ensure an accidental exposure does not take place. If it does, the reaction can create sulfuric acid and hydrogen chloride in a vapor form, causing significant damage to vulnerable lung tissue.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to an industrial accident or exposure to a dangerous chemical, you are too aware of how important proper regulation is. Please, consult with an experienced attorney who can help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions, and can help you push for proper safety measures to protect workers and the general public.