Benzene is a clear, sweet smelling chemical that has been linked to various forms of leukemia as well as other health issues.
It is thought that many chemical companies have been aware of the dangers of Benzene for quite some time, but despite this knowledge these same companies failed to warn workers or protect them from the dangers of this chemical.
This has resulted in many cases where workers and others exposed to the chemical in high levels or on a regular basis have sustained health problems, including cancer.
Benzene is found in a range of products, including plastics, chemical products, paints, dyes, solvents, and a range of other items including in the petroleum industry.
It can also be found in cigarette smoke. Those working with Benzene have been identified as the biggest risk group, particularly those working with petrol based solvents, as this can result in inhalation of fumes and contact through the skin.
This chemical is used so widely in the United States that it is ranked amongst the top twenty chemicals in production, and the effects of Benzene exposure can be so severe that it has been classed as a Class A carcinogenic by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The vapors produced by Benzene can result in a range of symptoms, including cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion.
The chemical is linked to a number of different types of leukaemia, including AML (acute myelogenous leukemia), ALL (acute lymphatic leukemia), CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia), Hodgkin’s Disease, HCL (hairy cell leukemia), and aplastic anemia. Some of the additional symptoms linked to exposure to the chemical 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
The risk of these effects means that manufacturers and chemical companies should exercise extreme caution with regards to employees working with this chemical.
However, this has not been done in many cases, and as a result of this negligence many people have suffered ill health.
Those handling and working with this chemical should be provided with all necessary safety equipment and protection by their employers.
However, it is already too late for many, and because benzene exposure related diseases can have a long latency period of several decades in some cases some people may be unaware that they have been affected.
It is important to seek both medical and legal assistance in the event that you think you may have been affected by exposure to this chemical.
An experienced Benzene lawyer can provide the necessary tools and support to put together a strong case and get as much compensation as possible for Benzene related injury.
Both those affected and the family of those that may have passed away due to the effects of exposure may be eligible to claim, and this can be determined by contacting a suitably qualified and experienced lawyer.
An experienced Benzene lawyer will have established links with groups and organizations that will enable you to get support and assistance as well as claim compensation for your injuries.
By going through a trained Benzene lawyer you can avoid many of the pitfalls that may be associated with this type of litigation, and can increase your chances of getting monetary compensation for injuries sustained through exposure to this chemical.
With millions of workers exposed to this chemical each year, the number of cases against various manufacturers and companies is on the increase, and in line with this the number of trained Benzene lawyers has also risen.
This makes it easier for those affected by this chemical to get legal assistance from a professional that is suitably experienced and qualified.