Representing Those Suffering from Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome

The Law Office of Scott P. Callahan, P.C., represents many clients nationwide who suffer from Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) (also known as Reactive Airway Disease). RADS is an asthma-like condition caused by an acute exposure to an irritant in the form of a gas, vapor, fume, or smoke. The severity of RADS symptoms ranges from mild to fatal. RADS is often a permanent condition. A person with confirmed RADS often has an ongoing need for medication, doctors’ visits, and medical monitoring. He or she must make significant life changes as future exposures to irritants, such as dust or even perfumes, can trigger recurring breathing difficulty, coughing, and asthma-like attacks.

Symptoms / Diagnosis Criteria

The following criteria for diagnosing RADS was first established in 1985 by Dr. Stuart Brooks and others:

  1. A documented absence of previous respiratory complaints.
  2. The onset of symptoms should occur after a single specific exposure.
  3. The exposure should be to a gas, smoke, fume or vapor with irritant qualities that was present in very high concentrations.
  4. The onset of symptoms should occur within 24 hours of exposure and should persist for a minimum of 3 months.
  5. The symptoms should simulate asthma with cough, wheezing and dyspnea.
  6. Methacholine challenge should be positive.
  7. Other types of pulmonary disease should be ruled out.

Brooks, SM, Weiss, MA, Bernstein, IL, Chest 1985; 88:376.

View the Brooks Report

Causes of Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome

RADS can be caused by inhalations or exposures at home, in the workplace, or in public areas. Many different chemicals are known to cause RADS, including chlorine, formaldehyde, and fluoropolymer resins in waterproofing products and sealers.

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
    • Polyurethane
    • Resins / Fluoro Resins
    • Sealers
    • Sodium Hydroxide
    • Sulfur Dioxide
    • Sulfuric Acid
    • Waterproofing agents

If you are experiencing asthma-like symptoms, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or fatigue after an acute exposure to a chemical or chemical agent, you may have RADS that is undiagnosed.

Unfortunately, some products emit these chemicals without warning and place unsuspecting users and consumers at an extreme risk of serous injury.

RADS can also be caused by a chemical spill in your area or at your workplace.

We Can Help

The Law Office of Scott P. Callahan represents those who have been diagnosed with Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome / Reactive Airway Disease as a result of exposure to a product or chemical. If you or a loved one may have been sickened by such exposure, we encourage you to contact us for a free and confidential consultation.

Law Office of Scott P. Callahan, P.C.
Phone (713) 888-9000 : Toll Free (866) 814-4100
info@scottcallahan.com

The Law Office of Scott P. Callahan Represents injured parties in the following types of cases:

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Si usted o un ser amado han experimentado una enfermedad respiratoria "RADS", por favor comuniquese con nosotros inmediatamente para una consulta confidencial gratis.

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