Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) Lung Injuries
The W. Winston Briggs Law Firm handles lung injury cases, including cases involving the medical condition known as Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (or "RADS").
What is RADS?
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, also known as "RADS," involves the development of asthma-like conditions from a single exposure to a respiratory irritant, such as a chemical, vapor, smoke, gas, or fume. RADS results in the development of persistent breathing problems in a previously healthy person within 24 hours of a single exposure to a respiratory irritant. The treatment of RADS is varied but many times involves steroids. Steroids themselves can cause multiple adverse health effects to the human body with prolonged or long-term use.
Dr. Stuart Brooks and his colleagues at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, are credited with identifying RADS as a medical condition and the criteria necessary for its diagnosis. The criteria for a diagnosis of RADS are:
- A documented absence of previous respiratory complaints.
- The onset of symptoms occurs after a single exposure.
- The exposure was to a gas, smoke, fume or vapor with irritant qualities that was present in high concentrations.
- The onset of symptoms occurs within 24 hours of exposure and persists for a minimum of 3 months.
- The symptoms simulate asthma with cough, wheezing and dyspnea.
- Methacholine challenge should be positive.
- Other types of pulmonary disease should be ruled out.
What Causes RADS?
RADS can be caused whenever one is exposed to a chemical, vapor, gas, smoke or fume with irritant qualities. Many RADS cases involve workplace accidents. However, RADS has also been developed from exposures in the home. RADS is almost always reported when the individual is exposed to high concentrations of smoke, gas, or fumes from accidents involving fires, explosions, spills, or unexpected catastrophes such as the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.
What Agents Cause RADS?
Although there is not a definitive list, chemical agents known to cause RADS include:
- Ammonia
- Bleaching agents
- Biocides
- Chlorine
- Cleaning agents
- Detergents
- Disinfectants
- Formaldehyde
- Glacial acetic acid
- Hydrochloric acid
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Isocyanates
- MDI
- Perchlorethylene
- Pesticides
- Polyurethane
- Resins/Fluoro-resins
- Sealers
- Sodium hydroxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Sulfuric acid
- Waterproofing agents
Why Choose the W. Winston Briggs Law Firm to Handle Your Lung Injury Case?
The W. Winston Briggs Law Firm has successfully handled numerous lung injury cases, including many involving RADS. The firm's senior partner, W. Winston Briggs, has tried and won multiple RADS jury trials and is widely considered to be one of the best, most experienced RADS attorneys in the country. Mr. Briggs has written articles and spoken on RADS cases all over the United States. Dr. Stuart Brooks, the first doctor in the country to diagnose RADS, has testified as an expert witness for Mr. Briggs' clients in cases tried by Mr. Briggs.
The W. Winston Briggs Law Firm has unmatched experience in handling RADS cases and is known as a firm that is willing to try cases in front of juries. If you or a loved one has been injured due to exposure to an irritating chemical, vapor, gas or smoke, call the W. Winston Briggs Law Firm to discuss your options.
Call for a Free Consultation
Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. You can reach us by phone at 404-913-7364 / 800-396-1786 or via e-mail. We take most cases on a contingency basis which means that you don't pay any attorney's fees unless we win compensation for you.
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