Benzene, a petroleum product used in dozens of industrial applications and consumer products, has been linked to multiple forms of cancer, most notably Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one was injured by the side effects of Benzene exposure, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a carcinogenic substance that is found in many industries and everyday household products. The chemical is formed through both natural processes and human activities. Benzene is one of the 20 most commonly used chemicals in the U.S. today, which is found in:
- Paint, lacquer, and varnish removers
- Industrial solvents
- Gasoline and other fuels
- Glues
- Paints
- Furniture wax
- Detergents
- Thinners
- Inks
- Adhesives and coatings
- Rubbers
- Industrial cleaning and degreasing formulations
Benzene and Cancer
Benzene is a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [1] have determined that long-term benzene exposure has been associated with the development of many life-threatening illnesses, including:
- 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
- Bladder Cancer
- and more
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
Rates of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), have been found to be higher in studies of workers who have been exposed to benzene over long time periods, according to the American Cancer Society [2]. “Acute” means that the cancer can progress quickly if not treated, and would likely cause death in a matter of months. “Myeloid” refers to the type of cell the leukemia starts from. Leukemias is any cancer that start in cells that would normally develop into different types of blood cells.
Related:
- Las Vegas Benzene Lawsuit
- New Orleans Benzene Lawsuit
- Chicago Benzene Exposure Lawsuit
- St. Louis Benzene Exposure Lawsuit
See the other related toxic tort cases from S&C, LLP.
AML Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia include:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
AML may also be referred to as acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
How Can I be Exposed to Benzene?
Employees in industries that produce or use benzene may be at risk of being exposed to the chemical. Occupations include:
- Benzene production (petrochemicals, petroleum refining, and coke and coal chemical manufacturing)
- Tire manufacturing
- Printing industry
- Storage or transport of benzene and benzene-containing petroleum products
- Pesticide production
- Steel workers
- Laboratory technicians
- Firefighters
- Gas station employees
Benzene Exposure Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) [3] reports that benzene exposure through ingestion or inhalation can lead to the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Unconsciousness
- Death
Do I Have a Philadelphia Benzene Lawsuit?
The Workplace and Environmental Group at our 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 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as across the U.S., and are currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you got benzene poisoning or were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
