Published by Despite being one of the most commonly used chemicals in the U.S. today, benzene has been linked to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a life-threatening type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of bone marrow.
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 Used For?
Benzene is one of the most widely used chemicals in the U.S. today. It is used to manufacture rubber, plastics, synthetic fibers, lubricants, drugs, dyes, detergents, and pesticides. The chemical is also found in many fuels and solvents and is usually colorless and light yellow in appearance.
Related Article: Benzene Exposure Lawsuit Update
How Can Benzene Cause Cancer?
The major effect of long-term benzene exposure is on the blood. Benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [1] classifies benzene as a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) based on evidence that it causes acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [2].
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Symptoms
AML is a type of blood cancer that typically begins in cells that would turn into white blood cells. However, the disease can start in other types of blood-forming cells. Signs and symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia include:
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
AML Prognosis and Survival Rate
In patients under the age of 60, approximately 70% to 80% will go into remission after the first round of chemotherapy. Remission means a person doesn't have symptoms of the disease and their blood cell counts are in a normal range. The 5-year overall survival rate for acute myeloid leukemia is 26%.
How Do I Know if Benzene Exposure Caused My Injury?
If you have been diagnosed with AML and feel that benzene exposure may be the cause, you should contact our lawyers for a free case evaluation. As part of the evaluation process, we will explore the evidence to determine whether benzene may have caused your cancer. We then provide your history and medical records to an expert in this area. This expert will study your case to determine whether benzene was a factor in the development of your injury.
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Do I Have a Benzene Lawsuit?
The Product Liability 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 in St. Louis, Missouri, 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 were injured by the side effects of benzene toxicity, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: 