Occupations with Benzene Exposure
Exposure in the work place to benzene may cause AML- acute myelogenous leukemia. While benzene has been banned in the United States for almost 30 years, workers are still exposed to significant amounts of benzene when working with refined petroleum products and chemicals, including Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Exposures, Crude Oil, Naphtha, Naphthalene, Toluene, Xylene, Gasoline, Jet Fuel and Aviation Fuels. Most workers come into contact with benzene by breathing it into their lungs or absorbing it through their skin (dermal contact) when working with solvents. In the U.S. millions of workers are exposed to significant amounts of benzene every year. Even small amounts of exposure to benzene can cause acute myelogenous leukemia cancer.
High-Risk Benzene Exposure Jobs
- Adhesive production
- Aircraft engine and fuel workers
- Aviation Gasoline workers
- Automotive mechanics
- Barge / tug workers
- Boat and vessel seamen
- Brake technicians
- Chemical plant workers
- Dental Lab and Denture Adhesive workers
- Engine and turbine workers
- Gasoline & Jet Fuel distribution workers
- House painters
- Industrial plant workers (solvents)
- Jet Fuel Mechanics and truck drivers
- Maritime offshore & dock workers
- Newspaper press workers
- Painters (marine, industrial and auto)
- Paper and pulp
- Pesticide manufacturing workers
- Pipefitters welders
- Printers and print shop employees
- Railroad workers and mechanics
- Oil Refinery & Petrochemical Plant Workers
- Rubber workers
- Shoe / leather workers
- Solvent workers
- Synthetic rubber production
- Tankermen
- Truck drivers
Benzene Exposure Side Effects
Breathing very high levels of benzene can result in death. High levels of benzene exposure can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness. Eating or drinking foods containing high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid heart rate, and death.
The major effect of benzene from long-term 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. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.
Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air and especially dermal contact can cause leukemia, particularly acute myelogenous leukemia, often referred to as AML. This is a bllod cancer of the blood-forming organs in particular in the bone marrow where blood cells originate. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that benzene is a known human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the EPA have determined that benzene is carcinogenic to humans.
Toxic Benzene Exposure Side Effects
There are acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) side effects to a person being exposed to the chemical benzene. Benzene has been linked to the following:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Aplastic Anemia (AA)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)
- Multiple Myelomas
- Blood Cancers,
- Bone Marrow Cancers
- Bladder Cancers
- Hodgkin's Disease
- Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Benzene Lawsuits – Talk to a Benzene Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) then you need to consult with an attorney to discuss a potential benzene exposure lawsuit. Talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, with 30+ years of experience. Call 1-800-883-9858 or click the link below.
