Published by Benzene Lawsuit Overview
Benzene lawsuits target manufacturers and employers responsible for exposing individuals to this dangerous carcinogen.
Benzene is a colorless or slightly yellow liquid chemical compound that is highly flammable and sweet-smelling.
Despite its extensive industrial use, benzene is classified as a known human carcinogen with strong links to various forms of leukemia and other blood-related cancers.
Countless workers have developed life-threatening illnesses following prolonged exposure, leading to numerous lawsuits and substantial settlements against negligent companies.
California Stone Worker Files Silicosis Lawsuit Alleging Severe Lung Damage
A California stone fabricator has initiated legal action against multiple artificial stone and countertop companies, claiming that decades of silica dust exposure on the job has led to irreversible lung disease.
On March 26, 2025, Alejandro Sergio Contreras Lopez and his wife, Sandra Martinez Alfaro, filed a complaint in the California Superior Court in San Francisco.
The suit alleges that Lopez developed silicosis and related pulmonary conditions after years of working with engineered and natural stone materials during the fabrication of countertops for residential and commercial installations.
Allegations of Long-Term Occupational Exposure
Lopez’s career in the stone fabrication industry spans two decades, beginning in 2004 with Baker Marble & Granite in Oakland, where he remained until 2018.
From 2019 to 2024, he was employed by Innovation Stone & Ceramic, Inc. During this time, Lopez regularly handled materials containing respirable crystalline silica, a known cause of silicosis, by performing tasks such as cutting, grinding, edging, drilling, and polishing kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
According to the complaint, these activities released fine silica particles and other hazardous components into the air, which Lopez inhaled over time without adequate protection or warnings.
The suit claims this led to a diagnosis of silicosis and progressive lung disease in 2024, permanently impairing his respiratory health and significantly increasing his risk for other serious illnesses, including lung cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Claims of Manufacturer and Employer Negligence
The lawsuit names several artificial stone manufacturers, distributors, and employers as defendants, asserting that they failed to adequately disclose the health risks associated with their products.
It alleges that the companies either manufactured or supplied materials containing dangerous levels of silica and other toxins, including metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polymer-based binders, without sufficient warnings or proper safety instructions.
“Mr. Lopez was routinely exposed to hazardous dust containing crystalline silica and other toxic substances. His exposure was a direct result of the defendants’ failure to inform, protect, and provide safe working conditions.”- The Filing.
The suit raises multiple causes of action, including:
- Negligence
- Failure to warn
- Design defect
- Fraudulent concealment
- Breach of implied warranties
In addition, Sandra Martinez Alfaro, Lopez’s wife, has filed a loss of consortium claim, citing the profound emotional and financial toll the disease has had on their family.
Latest Benzene Lawsuit 2025 Updates
- March 2025 – The FDA tested 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide for benzene contamination and found that over 90% of the tested products had undetectable or extremely low benzene levels. The agency conducted this testing after receiving third-party results that raised concerns about elevated benzene in certain benzoyl peroxide products. The agency's testing showed fewer contaminated products than the third-party findings suggested [1].
- May 2024 – A Pennsylvania jury has ordered a gas company to pay $725.5 million to a former mechanic who alleged that exposure to benzene in the company's gasoline products and solvents products while working at a gas station between 1975 and 1980 caused his cancer [2].
- February 2021 – Recent class action lawsuit filed against major sunscreen manufacturers after independent testing revealed dangerous levels of benzene in popular spray products. The lawsuit seeks medical monitoring and compensatory damages for all consumers exposed to these products [3].
- December 2014 – Nevada Supreme court affirms $7.5 million verdict awarded to a former gasoline-tanker truck driver diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood cancer, after decades of benzene exposure at the company's oil terminal in Las Vegas. The jury found the employer failed to monitor for benzene exposure, provide adequate safety equipment, and warnings about benzene hazards [4].
- November 2021 – FDA announces P&G's recall of deodorant and antiperspirant spray products containing benzene [5].
- December 21, 2017 – Anadarko Petroleum Corporation discovered benzene-contaminated groundwater and soil at a site in Dacono, Colorado, during a COGCC inspection. The commission ordered Anadarko to remove 200 barrels of contaminated water, with benzene levels found to be 900 times over the legal limit [6].
- February 2017 – A Cook County lawsuit filed by auto mechanic Steven J. Williams claims he developed myeloma after 35 years of exposure to benzene and chlorinated hydrocarbons at work. The lawsuit alleges that prolonged contact with carcinogens in diesel fuel, paint, and other substances led to his multiple myeloma diagnosis [7].
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to recent data from regulatory agencies and health organizations, benzene exposure continues to pose significant risks:
- The FDA has established a concentration limit of 2 parts per million (ppm) for benzene in products, though it is technically not permitted as an ingredient in any drug or consumer product.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the maximum permissible level of benzene in drinking water at 0.005 milligrams per liter (0.005 mg/L) [8].
- OSHA standards limit workplace exposure to benzene to 1 part per million (ppm) during an 8-hour workday, with a short-term exposure limit of 5 ppm.
- Between 2021-2024, over 70 consumer products were recalled due to benzene contamination, including sunscreens, deodorants, dry shampoos, and hand sanitizers.
Benzene Injuries & Side Effects
Exposure to benzene can cause both immediate symptoms and devastating long-term health effects, particularly affecting the blood-forming organs.
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia
- Aplastic Anemia
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Hematologic Cancers
- Other blood-related cancers
- Bladder Cancer
"There is also some evidence that long-term exposure to benzene might harm reproductive organs. Some women who have breathed in high levels of benzene for many months have had irregular menstrual periods and ovary shrinkage, but it is not known for sure if benzene caused these effects. It is not known if benzene exposure affects fertility in men." - American Cancer Society.
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Do You Qualify for a Benzene Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a benzene lawsuit if:
- You were exposed to benzene through work, consumer products, or environmental contamination.
- You have been diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or another blood-related disorder.
- Your diagnosis occurred within a reasonable time frame following benzene exposure.
- You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to benzene exposure.
- You worked in high-risk industries such as petroleum, chemical manufacturing, printing, rubber production, or shipping.
Evidence Required for a Benzene Lawsuit
To build a strong case, you'll need to gather:
- Medical Records: Documentation of your diagnosis, treatment history, and medical opinions linking your condition to benzene exposure.
- Employment Records: Documentation proving you worked with or around benzene-containing products.
- Expert Testimony: Medical and scientific opinions establishing causation between your exposure and illness.
- Product Information: Evidence of benzene in specific products you used or were exposed to.
- Exposure Documentation: Safety reports, workplace monitoring data, or other evidence of benzene levels.
Damages You Can Recover
If successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses for current and future treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
- Wrongful death compensation for families who lost loved ones
Benzene-Containing Products and Recall Information
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 450,000 Texas residents are still either without water or need to boil their water to prevent illness [9].
Affected areas include parts of Houston, where flood waters have not completely receded nearly 2 weeks after the hurricane touched down on the city. Benzene lawsuits should follow. Numerous products have been identified as containing dangerous levels of benzene.
Recent recalls and investigations have focused on:
- Personal Care Products: Aerosol sunscreens, antiperspirants, deodorants, dry shampoos, and hand sanitizers from multiple manufacturers.
- Industrial Products: Liquid Wrench, rubber cements, adhesives, paint strippers, and various solvents.
- Automotive Products: Carburetor cleaners, degreasers, fuel injector cleaners, and lubricants.
- Household Items: Paint thinners, cleaning products, furniture refinishers, and art supplies.
For a more comprehensive list of potentially dangerous products, please see our detailed product sections below.
Additional Information:
- American Cancer Society
- American Petroleum Institute
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Toxicology Program
- World Health Organization
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- Petrochemical Industry
- Highly-regarded nonprofit organizations
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [10]
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) [11]
- American Cancer Society - Benzene [12]
Statute of Limitations for Benzene Lawsuits
The time limit to file a benzene lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1 to 6 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery that benzene exposure caused your illness.
In some states, the statute of limitations begins when you were last exposed to benzene, while in others, it starts when you discover your illness is related to benzene exposure.
Because these timelines can vary significantly and exceptions may apply, it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure your legal rights are protected.
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FAQs
1. What is benzene and why is it dangerous?
Benzene is a colorless or light-yellow liquid chemical that is highly flammable and has a sweet odor. It's dangerous because it's a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia and other blood disorders, even at relatively low exposure levels over time.
2. How are people typically exposed to benzene?
People are typically exposed to benzene through inhalation of contaminated air, absorption through the skin when handling products containing benzene, or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Occupational exposure in industries like petroleum, chemical manufacturing, and printing is the most common source of high-level exposure.
3. What industries have the highest risk of benzene exposure?
Industries with the highest risk include oil refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, rubber tire production facilities, printing operations, shoe manufacturing, and transportation sectors that handle petroleum products. Workers in these industries should take special precautions and be aware of their legal rights.
4. How long after exposure can benzene-related illnesses develop?
Benzene-related illnesses like leukemia can develop anywhere from a few months to several decades after exposure, making it challenging to connect the exposure to the illness. Most cases develop after prolonged exposure over several years, though high-level exposure for shorter periods can also increase risk.
5. What medical conditions are most commonly linked to benzene exposure?
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is most strongly linked to benzene exposure, but other conditions include Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Aplastic Anemia, and other blood disorders affecting bone marrow function.
6. What compensation amounts have been awarded in benzene lawsuits?
Compensation has ranged from $1.5 million to over $17 million in successful cases, depending on factors like severity of illness, age of the victim, economic losses, and evidence strength. Many cases settle confidentially before trial for significant sums.
7. How can I prove my illness was caused by benzene exposure?
Proving causation typically requires medical documentation of your diagnosis, evidence of benzene exposure through employment records or product use, expert testimony establishing the link between your exposure and illness, and documentation of the timeline between exposure and diagnosis.
8. Are class action lawsuits common for benzene exposure cases?
While some benzene cases proceed as class actions, particularly those involving consumer products, most occupational exposure cases are handled as individual lawsuits due to the unique circumstances of each person's exposure and medical conditions. Our firm evaluates each case individually to determine the best approach.
9. Can I file a lawsuit if my loved one died from benzene-related cancer?
Yes, immediate family members can typically file a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one died from benzene-related illness. These cases must generally be filed within a specific timeframe after death, so consulting with an attorney promptly is essential.
10. What should I do if I suspect I've been exposed to benzene?
If you suspect benzene exposure, consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate medical testing, document all potential exposure sources and symptoms, maintain records of all medical care, and contact an experienced toxic tort attorney to evaluate your potential legal claims before time limits expire.
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.
Get Your Free Benzene Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for benzene-related illnesses.
Most states restrict the timeframe for filing toxic exposure lawsuits to just 1-3 years from diagnosis or discovery of the connection between your illness and benzene exposure.
The Toxic Tort Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Benzene exposure lawsuits.
We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
We offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Experienced representation by attorneys who have secured millions in compensation for victims of toxic exposure
Free Case Evaluation: If you were injured by the side effects of benzene toxicity, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case review. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and our Benzene Lawyers can help.
References:
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show#:~:text=%5B3/11/2025%5D,these%20products%20is%20very%20low.
- https://www.reuters.com/legal/exxon-hit-with-7255-million-verdict-over-mechanics-leukemia-diagnosis-2024-05-10/
- https://www.consumernotice.org/legal/sunscreen-lawsuits/
- https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/benzene-wrongful-death-lawsuit-verdict-21907/comment-page-1/
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pg-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-old-spice-and-secret-aerosol-spray-antiperspirants-and-old-spice
- https://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/21/anadarko-reports-release-cancer-causing-chemical-spill-dacono/
- https://dailyhornet.com/2017/auto-mechanic-with-cancer-files-benzene-lawsuit/
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/benzene.pdf
- https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/us/harvey-houston-valero-benzene.html?mcubz=1
- http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=14
- https://www.osha.gov/benzene
- http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_1_3X_Benzene.asp?sitearea=PED