Benzene is one of the most common and widely used hazardous chemicals around. This substance is found naturally occurring in the environment, and so most people are exposed to Benzene to a limited degree. However, it is also very widely used by man in the production of many goods such as detergents, plastics, synthetic fibers, dyes, rubber, resins, paint, and a whole host of other things. It can also be found in fairly high levels in cigarette smoke, which many people breathe in either actively or passively each day. Benzene comes in the form of a clear liquid, which has a sweet, distinctive odor. Exposure to this chemical can results in a number of undesirable and even deadly effects. The Environmental Protection Agency has this chemical categorized as a Class A carcinogenic. It is thought that Benzene exposure is partly responsible for the rising number of cases of leukaemia amongst those exposed to it.
Like many other hazardous chemicals, the harm caused by Benzene can be dependant upon the exposure levels to this chemical. Those exposed to Benzene for long periods and on a regular basis, such as people that work with this chemical, are at increased risk of suffering the hazards of exposure. Long term exposure to Benzene is classed as one year or more, which is why those that have worked with Benzene for some time are at increased risk. There are safety regulations in place for Benzene workers, which have been imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. These regulations are designed to reduce the risk of cancer or other ill health affects among workers, but it is important that those working with Benzene – and their employers – are mindful of these regulations in order to decrease the risk of ill health.
There are a number of ill health effects relating to Benzene exposure, some of which are painful or uncomfortable and others that can be deadly. Moderate to high levels of Benzene exposure can lead to:
The other serious risk factor for those exposed to high levels of Benzene is cancer, and most notably, leukemia. There are different types of leukemia that can result from exposure to Benzene, and these include acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Tests are available that can measure a persons’ exposure to Benzene, but these will only prove accurate on those that have suffered recent exposure to the chemical. These tests are usually only effective in cases where the level of exposure was high, so low level exposure or non-recent exposure is not normally picked up through these tests.
The dangers of Benzene are more widely recognized today than they were in previous years, and for some people this increased awareness comes too late. People have already suffered the effects of Benzene exposure, and many have either died or suffered serious harm and injury from prolonged, regular exposure to this chemical. This has resulted in a number of Benzene lawsuits, where the products manufacturers or employers responsible for the exposure have had lawsuits filed against them by those harmed by Benzene exposure. It is also possible for the relatives of those that have died from exposure to Benzene to file a claim on the deceased’s behalf.
Anyone that thinks that may have suffered ill health or damage though Benzene exposure is advised to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Specialist Benzene lawyers are now available to help those affected to claim compensation for the damage caused. An experienced Benzene lawyer can offer advice with regards to the viability and potential success of your claim, and can also help you to put together as tight a case as possible in order to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
There are many Benzene lawyers in operation these days, and you should have no problem finding a practicing Benzene lawyer in an area near you. If you wish to discuss any possible claims, you can simply make a call and arrange an initial consultation, where the Benzene lawyer can listen to the facts surrounding your case and can then advise you of the best course of action based on these facts.