What is Pollution Liability?

Pollution liability is something that some companies have to deal with on a consequential level, and it’s up to them to find ways to prepare. Because of environmental accountability, many companies are feeling the pressure to monitor their practices more closely. They are ramping efforts to curb their potential pollution. Pollution can come in many forms. Additionally, it’s incredibly costly to the environment. New measures may make it so that pollution is costly to companies, too.

If you’re wondering why you need pollution liability, consider that even the most careful company may find pollution liability to be a major expense without the right insurance. The following three forms of pollution demonstrate the need for pollution liability insurance. Remember that pollution can cause major consequences for your company if you don’t take steps to mitigate the problem.

Chemical Pollution Liability

One of the most common — and problematic — forms of pollution is chemical pollution. Chemical pollution is usually a byproduct of manufacturing processes that produce chemical waste. This waste can then become an environmental contaminant. Also, it is especially true if the authorities do not dispose of the chemicals properly. Some examples of waterborne chemical pollution include:

  1. Liquid nitrogen
  2. Pesticides
  3. Bleach
  4. Salts
  5. Metal
  6. Bacterial toxins
  7. Animal drugs
  8. Human drugs

These pollutants can easily cause massive damage to the environment if they aren’t contained. In addition to their toxic impact on aquatic wildlife, they can sometimes be found in drinking water that’s been treated, too. Moreover, It’s clear that companies producing these compounds need to implement a disposal process that eliminates the risk of waterborne chemical pollution.

Plastic Pollution Liability

Chemicals aren’t the only pollutant that can cause damage to the environment. Plastic is another one of the most common culprits of pollution. It is also one of the most hazardous forms of pollution. Likewise, it’s known to be deadly to ecosystems and wildlife. Plastic is also typically non-biodegradable, meaning that it cannot be composted or absorbed by the earth.

Unfortunately, plastic pollution is common across almost every industry, but it’s particularly problematic in sectors such as chemical processing, oil and energy, and manufacturing. These sectors are responsible for much of the plastic pollution that plagues the oceans and the rest of the environment, too.

Emissions Pollution Liability

Who needs pollution liability insurance? If your company is responsible for emissions pollution, you do. This form of pollution refers to airborne threats such as:

  1. Carbon monoxide
  2. Sulfur dioxide
  3. Nitrous oxide
  4. Unburned Hydrocarbons
  5. Chlorofluorocarbons
  6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These chemicals can be found throughout the air. Additionally, they are responsible for a wide range of environmental detriments and especially dangerous to humans. Extensive research has shown that pollution from airborne emissions has long-term damaging effects on the respiratory health and overall wellbeing of humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these effects can include asthma, birth defects, certain cancers, and damage to lung function.

About Haughn & Associates

Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.