If you’re like most people, you would like to live in a safe neighborhood with clean drinking water. Unfortunately, toxic water exposure is an unfortunate reality for many people across the country. It can be scary and overwhelming when your water supply is contaminated. Here’s what you should do after being exposed to toxic water.
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Know the Symptoms
In order to know whether or not you’ve been exposed to toxic water, you need to know the symptoms of waterborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of toxic water exposure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, headaches, fevers, rashes, and joint pain. If you or your family members have experienced any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. Some illnesses associated with toxic water exposure can be debilitating or even fatal, so it’s important to be vigilant.
Document the Damage
Whenever you come in contact with toxic water, you should write down the date and time that it happened, the symptoms you experienced, and how long the water remained in contact with your body. Write down the names of the people you spoke with from the utility company or health department. You should also take pictures of the water damage, including the interior and exterior of your home. You may use your images and notes as evidence if you decide to take legal action against whoever was responsible.
Know Your Rights
In the United States, there are several laws that give you the right to clean and safe drinking water. Some of these laws, such as the Federal Safe Drinking Law Act, are more general. There are other pieces of legislation that apply to specific situations. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, for example, may help you recover damages if you were exposed to toxic water at the military base in the past. There are several Camp Lejeune resources that you can find online if you want more information on this bill.
Find a Lawyer
If you’ve been exposed to toxic water, you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. You can search online or ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Make sure your lawyer is licensed and has experience handling toxic water cases. Your lawyer can help you collect evidence and file a lawsuit against your water supplier. He or she may also be able to help you get financial assistance from the government, such as Medicaid or Social Security benefits.
Install a Water Filter
You should install a water filter if you believe that your water might still be contaminated. Most water filters can remove chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants. You can find water filters at hardware stores, home improvement stores, or online. Make sure that the filter you choose can remove the contaminants efficiently. If you have health conditions like an immune disorder, you may need to find a filter that can remove a wider range of toxins.
Toxic water exposure can be very traumatic. It’s important to remember that you are not alone and that your health comes first. It may take some time to heal, so be patient with yourself during the process.
