New Mexico Oil Field Chemical Exposure Attorneys

Common Causes of Chemical Exposure in Oil Fields

Chemical exposure refers to the condition in which a person comes into contact with hazardous chemicals, either through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or injection. This exposure can occur in various settings, including workplaces like oil fields, factories, laboratories, or even in homes. The health effects of chemical exposure depend on the type of chemical, the duration and intensity of the exposure, and how the chemical enters the body.

Routes of chemical exposure include:

• Inhalation: Breathing in chemical fumes, dust, vapors, or gases. This is one of the most common ways chemicals can enter the body, especially in environments where toxic substances are airborne.
• Skin Contact: Many chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, especially if they are corrosive, toxic, or solvent-based. Direct skin contact can lead to burns, rashes, or systemic toxicity if the chemical is absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Ingestion: This occurs when chemicals are accidentally swallowed, which can happen if food or drink becomes contaminated with toxic substances.
• Injection: While less common, injection exposure happens when a chemical is accidentally injected into the body, often through a puncture wound or medical procedures.

Chemical exposure in oil fields is a significant risk for workers due to the use of hazardous substances in various processes. Common causes of chemical exposure in oil fields include:

• Drilling Fluids: Oil and gas drilling involves the use of drilling muds, which can contain harmful chemicals like benzene, toluene, xylene, and other hydrocarbons. These fluids help cool and lubricate the drill bit but can lead to exposure through skin contact or inhalation.
• Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking): In hydraulic fracturing, large volumes of water, sand, and chemicals are injected into the ground to extract oil or gas. Workers can be exposed to chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may evaporate into the air or contaminate groundwater.
• Storage and Transportation of Chemicals: Chemicals used in oil extraction, refining, and processing need to be transported and stored on-site. Accidental spills, leaks, or improper handling can lead to exposure, especially if protective measures are not taken.
• Refining and Processing: Oil field workers involved in the refining process can be exposed to hazardous chemicals like sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic gases released during crude oil processing.
• Well Servicing and Maintenance: Regular servicing of oil wells, such as acidizing and chemical treatment to stimulate production, often involves handling dangerous substances like acids and solvents that pose risks through inhalation or contact with skin.
• Gas Flaring: Flaring of excess gas at oil fields can release dangerous chemicals, including benzene and sulfur compounds, into the air, putting workers at risk of inhalation exposure.
• Waste Disposal: Waste materials from oil production, including chemical-laden water or sludge, need proper disposal. Improper handling or disposal can lead to contamination of soil and groundwater, posing long-term exposure risks.