Toxic Tort: Chemical Toxicants Perspective

Abstract

Toxic torts arise in several contexts. People are typically exposed to toxic chemicals from pharmaceuticals, from consumer products, from the environment, in the home, and at work. Most toxic tort cases have arisen either from exposure to pharmaceutical drugs or occupational exposures. Courts are increasingly faced with the need to resolve claims by individuals that they have been injured by chemical exposures or that they have been put at sufficient risk by such exposures that their health status must be monitored to ensure the earliest possible detection of developing injuries or diseases. The ultimate challenge for the professional industrial hygienist is, and always has been, how to prevent occupational diseases. This article aimed to address several facets of toxic tort including basics of toxic tort, opportunities & challenges in toxic tort litigation and toxicogenomic aspects.