Definition of Element

A chemical element is a pure chemical substance consisting of one type of atom distinguished by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus.  The term is also used to refer to a pure chemical substance composed of atoms with the same number of protons.  Common examples of elements are iron, copper, silver, gold, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. In total, 117 elements have been observed as of 2008, of which 94 occur naturally on Earth.  Eighty elements have stable isotopes, namely all elements with atomic numbers 1 to 82, except elements 43 and 61 (technetium and promethium).  Elements with atomic numbers 83 or higher (bismuth and above) are inherently unstable, and undergo radioactive decay.  The elements from atomic number 83 to 94 have no stable nuclei, but are nevertheless found in nature, either surviving as remnants of the primordial stellar nucleosynthesis that produced the elements in the solar system, or else produced as short-lived daughter-isotopes through the natural decay of uranium and thorium.

All chemical matter consists of these elements.  New elements of higher atomic number are discovered from time to time, as products of artificial nuclear reactions.

Legal Assistance

Paul & Hanley, LLP is one of the top legal firms handling toxic exposure cases including manganese poisoning.  Paul & Hanley has offices located throughout California, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, Westlake Village (Los Angeles county), San Francisco, and San Diego.  Our toxic torts attorneys handle manganese exposure cases in courts throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and across the United States.  Our in depth experience also covers malignant mesothelioma cancer caused by asbestos and other toxic exposures such as beryllium.

We are proud that we act as effective legal advocates for victims and families forced to face this terrible disease.  Having handled many cases over the years we have learned that it is only when negligence, and recklessness becomes expensive that corporations discovers an incentive to make the world a safer place.  This is certainly true with manganese exposure.  We practice law with honesty, integrity, care, and compassion, and understand that behind every case is a real mesothelioma victim and family, who have questions and concerns about an uncertain future.  For further information please contact us today.  For immediate assistance call us toll free at (800) 933-2244 for a free confidential consultation