Benzene
is a colorless, aromatic liquid that evaporates
rapidly under ordinary atmospheric conditions. The
great majority of the benzene produced in the United
States is produced by the petroleum and
petrochemical industries, with the remainder
produced by the steel industry as a byproduct of
coking operations. Once used as a solvent, benzene
is today a common component of solvents, de-greasers
and mineral spirits. Benzene is also contained in
products used to clean and de-grease tools, clean
machine parts, and de-rust metal components.Benzene is a toxic substance. In 1996, benzene was classified as a Class A carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, and has been linked to cancer and other serious health problems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have also determined that benzene has been linked to the development of blood cancers and blood disorders several years after exposure. Benzene-related diseases can develop as late as 29 years after exposure. People typically diagnosed with benzene-related cancers were exposed to benzene through occupational use, in work environments such as chemical plants, refineries, steel mills, mechanic shops, and other industrial settings.
The effects of benzene on the body vary with the amount and duration of exposure. Brief exposure (not more than 5-10 minutes) to low to moderate levels of benzene can cause headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness. Exposure to very high levels can cause life-threatening cancers and death. Examples of blood diseases caused by occupational benzene exposure include acute myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (which can progress into acute myelogenous leukemia over time), aplastic anemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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Workers most at risk of suffering adverse health effects from benzene exposure
include:
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Workers exposed to high levels of benzene are at the greatest risk of suffering its long-term harmful effects: acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, anemia and other forms of cancer and leukemia.
If you or a loved one has tested positive for benzene exposure, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries. This compensation may include money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and financial compensation to loved ones (in case of a wrongful death).
If you or a loved one have tested positive for benzene exposure, please contact Barry & Loewy LLP today at (800) 892-5044.
