Benzene

Benzene and Exposure

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Benzene is a clear, colorless, noncorrosive, highly flammable liquid with a strong odor. It is used primarily to make other chemicals and plastics. It is commonly found in solvents and degreasers used in the dye, dry cleaning and petroleum industry. It has also been an ingredient in some commercial products including dental/denture adhesives. See Recall Alert

Gasoline distribution workers, laborers, pipe fitters and refinery workers others involved in the removal and repair of underground fuel storage tanks and refinery workers are at risk for exposure to benzene. Benzene is absorbed predominately through inhalation of benzene vapors. Benzene can also be absorbed through skin.

Benzene related injuries
Some benzene health effects, such as central nervous system toxicity, can occur immediately after or shortly after benzene exposure. Other health effects may develop as late as 29 years after exposure. Benzene has been known to cause acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and aplastic anemia. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and IARC have determined benzene is a known human carcinogen.

What Should You Do?
Symptoms of the disease are very similar to the flu or other common diseases symptoms often include:

• Fatigue
• Malaise (vague feeling of bodily discomfort)
• Abnormal bleeding
• Excessive bruising
• Weakness
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Weight loss
• Bone or joint pain
• Infection and fever
• Abdominal pain or "fullness"
• Enlarged spleen, lymph nodes, and liver

A blood test can be used to check for a specific blood abnormality. If you are experiencing some or most of these symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor who may suggest diagnostic tests.

If you believe you may have been exposed to benzene and have developed leukemia or lymphoma you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and should contact law firm of Paul & Hanley LLP to speak with an experienced attorney.

Additional Benzene Topics:

Recall Alert 
Other Toxic Exposures

Helpful Benzene Resources:

Benzene411.org