When people worry about exposure to chemicals in the workplace, the first concern that comes to mind is usually the danger of inhaling those chemicals on a daily basis. Because exposure to chemical inhalation in the workplace can pose such an immense health risk to workers, organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have pushed to implement regulatory changes to guard against these problems. However, inhalation is not the only potential health hazard that people face when they work around chemicals.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, millions of workers throughout the U.S. may be exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Like chemical inhalation, absorption of chemicals through the skin can lead to occupational diseases and work-related illness.
Occupational skin diseases can occur in a variety of industries and sectors including food service and agriculture, health care, cosmetology and construction. In addition, NIOSH data shows that skin diseases are the second most common type of occupational disease. While exposure to chemicals is the most common cause of these diseases, physical agents like extreme temperatures or radiation can also cause occupational skin diseases. Furthermore, pressure, friction and other kinds of mechanical trauma in the workplace can also cause skin problems. Also, biological agents including parasites and microorganisms are a cause of workplace skin disorders.
Some skin disorders can qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits. Workers with occupational skin disorders can apply to receive SSD benefits for illness, as can people who have skin disorders that are hereditary or congenital. People in the Houston area who have a skin disease or disorder that is preventing them from working should look into their options for receiving benefits. Moreover, if an applicant is having trouble with the Social Security process, including a denied claim, they can contact an experienced attorney for help.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “SKIN EXPOSURES & EFFECTS,” Accessed on Dec. 28, 2015