Legal action will undoubtedly follow as our society becomes more aware of the potential dangers of the items we all use regularly. Several compounds are now scheduled to be classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) in their Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans.
Isophorone, an ingredient in numerous consumer and industrial products, is one of them. Isophorone will likely be classified by WHO’s IARC as a human carcinogen. As with glyphosate in recent years, the outcome of this categorization is likely to act as a trigger for litigation.
The clear liquid isophorone has a peppermint-like pleasant aroma. It is used in the formulations of lacquers, adhesives, paints, inks, coil coating, and ornamental metal coatings. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the synthesis of other compounds. Those who work in the printing, adhesives, and ink manufacturing industries are most frequently exposed to Isophorone.
Eye, nose, and throat irritation are among Isophorone’s acute (short-term) effects on humans after inhalation exposure. Humans exposed to Isophorone over an extended period may experience weariness, sadness, and dizziness. Contact a lawyer if you have questions about any effects or symptoms.
According to animal research, prolonged inhalation of Isophorone at high concentrations has negative effects on the central nervous system. Isophorone may induce birth problems like fetal deformities and growth retardation from inhalation exposure to Isophorone during pregnancy, according to limited data in animal studies. There is no information on the effects of Isophorone on human reproduction, development, or cancer. The EPA lists Isophorone as a Group C, a potentially carcinogenic substance.
How Will Isophorone Be Categorized?
Isophorone was reclassified by the EPA as a Class C chemical in 1992, suggesting that, according to the specific standards in use at the time, it might be carcinogenic to humans. This category includes “agents with limited animal evidence and little to no human data.” IARC of the WHO currently plans to classify Isophorone as belonging to Group 2B. It would then be regarded as “potentially carcinogenic to humans,” according to official classification.
What Business Impact Will This Classification Have?
An array of legal disputes involving this substance will arise due to the impending IARC classification, which has already sparked related state legislation. This situation is reminiscent of the recent glyphosate-related Monsanto Roundup lawsuits, which have resulted in a collection of settlements totaling $11,000,000,000.
Present-day products that contain Isophorone and chemically related chemicals include:
- Paint;
- Print mediums;
- Lacquers;
- Adhesives;
- Sunscreens;
- Solvents
- Different product coatings
As a result of discharge from its use in related products and the manufacturing industries, it has also been found in the air and groundwater.
Risk of Cancer
The carcinogenicity of Isophorone in humans has not been studied. One investigation found that male rats given Isophorone by gavage had an increased risk of developing kidney and preputial gland tumors. However, the form of kidney tumor seen in male rats may not be relevant to humans.
Isophorone is classified as Group C by the EPA because it may be a human carcinogen (an agent that causes cancer). To calculate the likelihood that drinking water containing a particular chemical concentration will cause a person to get cancer, the EPA utilizes mathematical models based on animal research.
According to EPA estimations, a person would potentially have little more than a one-in-a-million greater risk of acquiring cancer due to eating water containing Isophorone at a concentration of 40 micrograms per liter throughout their lifetime.
Isophorone Ban Proposed in New York
A bill to partially forbid the manufacture, processing, or distribution of goods containing Isophorone was put forth in the State Senate of New York in 2021. The state’s environmental law would particularly be exempted under the extensive scope of related modifications if Isophorone were to be used in the production, processing, or distribution of goods that “cannot reasonably be expected to be utilized by a person under the age of eighteen.”
Another exception in the legislation would permit the transportation of isophorone-containing goods or the chemical itself to another state or country through the state.
A class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum term of one year in jail or three years of probation, as well as a fine of up to $1,000 or double the amount of the financial gain to an individual or business from the commission of this offense, would be committed in violation of these requirements. The measure was forwarded to the New York Senatorial Committee for Environmental Conservation at the start of 2022. At this time, no additional action has been taken.
How Can Companies Control Risk?
Businesses can reduce risk by being aware of any isophorone-containing products they may ship, receive, or use, especially if they are consumer goods sold to the general public. Experts should be contacted to traverse the complexities of Isophorone’s classification and regulation to assure compliance with relevant standards and ongoing compliance needs and to avert legal action.
How Can I Get Exposed to Isophorone?
If a person works with many chemicals at work or uses paint, glue, lacquers, and ink at home, they may be exposed to Isophorone.
Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and New Orleans’ drinking water have all been discovered to have Isophorone. If someone comes into contact with Isophorone through their skin, breathes its vapor, drinks tainted water, or consumes tainted food, Isophorone can enter their body.
What Are the Dangers of Exposure to Isophorone?
The short-term inhalation of Isophorone might result in nausea, headaches, dizziness, and even coma. Physical touch can cause skin and eye discomfort as well as burning. Damage to the kidneys, liver, and nerves can result from extended exposure.
Can I Sue for Isophorone Exposure?
You could file a personal injury claim against an individual or file a class action lawsuit against a large industry if you were exposed to Isophorone due to the careless contamination of a business or in a hazardous work environment.
Toxic torts attorneys specialize in filing personal injury class action lawsuits against these businesses or industries for causing harm to individuals, such as isophorone contamination, due to their careless handling of the manufacture, distribution, or sale of dangerous substances.
Which Laws Prevent Isophorone Exposure?
Some rules specify how the public should be notified about harmful substances, even though Isophorone can be present in numerous chemicals that people use regularly. Instead of at the state level, most laws governing dangerous substances are passed at the federal level. An “enabling act” issued by Congress mandates that the relevant Federal agency must regulate specific substances.
Companies must notify the public about certain dangerous substances in their facilities, the products they sell, or the transportation of those products under the Environmental Community Right to Know Act. If there is a significant risk of a material health impairment to an employee, they are protected at work under the OSH legislation.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Consider hiring a lawyer if you or a loved one gets sick after exposure to Isophorone. You can find out who caused your exposure to Isophorone and obtain just compensation for your injuries with the aid of a class action lawyer. Your attorney can provide you with legal advice and representation for your claim.
