Benzene

Benzene is a chemical that can be found in gasoline and other products, such as glues, paints, cleaners, degreasers, detergents and other industrial chemicals. It is also a known human carcinogen that is a cause of leukemia, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL).

Scientists have also linked non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, cytopenias, myelofibrosis, and polycythemia vera to Benzene.

Also known as benzol, benzene is a clear, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid chemical used mainly in making rubber, plastics, dyes, paints, rubber, resins, detergents, and lubricants. It is a naturally occurring compound of gasoline and crude oil..

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. Benzene-related diseases can develop as late as 29 years after exposure. The effects of benzene on the body vary with the amount and duration of exposure. Exposure of 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 death.

Workers most at risk of suffering adverse health effects from benzene exposure include:

• Workers in petroleum refineries
• Gasoline distribution workers
• Painters
• Rubber tire manufacturers
• Laboratory technicians
• Shoe / leather workers
• Printers
• Newspaper press workers
• Paper and pulp manufacturing workers
• Pesticides manufacturing workers

Workers exposed to high levels of benzene are at the greatest risk of suffering leukemia, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL).

Scientists have also linked non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, cytopenias, myelofibrosis, and polycythemia vera to Benzene.

When it is breathed into the body, benzene enters the bloodstream and the body stores it temporarily in bone marrow and fat. It then converts it into metabolites. These metabolites are believed to be the source of leukemia and cancer caused by benzene exposure.

If you are experiencing any of the above listed side effects, contact Belluck & Fox immediately for a legal evaluation. Our firm is located in the heart of New York City, on Madison Avenue. Call us today, toll free, at 1-877-NYLAW08 or contact us via our online form.

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