Q: What is benzene?
A: Benzene is a clear, sweet-smelling and highly flammable liquid. It evaporates into air quickly and dissolves in water. Benzene is used widely in the United States in plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics, and as a solvent in printing, paints and dry cleaning.
Q: Is benzene carcinogenic?
A: Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency has listed benzene as a Class A human carcinogen. Exposure to high levels of benzene has been linked to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic
Almost 30 years after benzene was banned as a solvent in the U.S., people are still exposed to it directly and indirectly.
leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Since there may be no safe level of benzene exposure, contact should be avoided entirely.
Q: What other health problems does benzene cause, besides leukemia?
A: Even low levels of exposure are dangerous, causing
benzene side effects such as temporary nervous system disorders, immune system depression and anemia. High levels of benzene exposure can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, unconsciousness and the worst benzene side effect of all: death.
Q: How much benzene is produced and released into the environment?
A: Water and land absorbed more than 2 million pounds of
benzene from 1987 to 1992—mostly from petroleum refining plants.
Q: If I have suffered benzene exposure, what are my legal rights?
A: People who have been exposed to benzene may hold a company liable and qualify for compensation via a benzene lawsuit. If you have been exposed to benzene while at work and are now suffering serious health conditions such as
AML, please contact a doctor first and then a benzene lawyer before the statute of limitations runs out.
