Studies indicate that benzene exposure increases the risk of cancer and other diseases.
Benzene is among the most commonly used chemicals in United States. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is present in its natural state in gasoline and crude oil and is used as a starter material for various chemicals like pesticides, lubricants, plastics, rubbers, detergents, dyes, etc. Benzene was used as a solvent in various manufacturing industries and high level of exposure has resulted in unwarranted consequences over time.
Numerous studies have been undertaken to understand the affects of benzene and the results have indicated that benzene exposure is linked to cancer. Various studies on humans and lab animals indicate that benzene causes leukemia and other blood cancers. Some common cancers associated with benzene exposure are:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- Multiple myeloma
Benzene is considered carcinogenic by various organizations and institutions like the United States’ National Toxicology Program, International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The exposure is caused by presence of benzene in air and by absorption through the skin. Major exposure to benzene often results from smoking tobacco and passive smoking. The workers at industries which process or use benzene are also amongst the worst affected by the exposure. The industries which commonly use benzene are as follows:
- Transportation and Oil and gas refinery and industry
- Railways
- Shoe and leather industry
- Rubber industry
- Steel plants
- Heavy machinery mechanics
- Laboratories
- Fire-fighters
- Barge workers
- Chemical industry
- Dry cleaning industry
- Printing industry
- Auto mechanics
- Commercial and industrial construction
Apart from the above mentioned industries, anyone who gets exposed to benzene or any product containing benzene is prone to toxic exposure. Benzene and its derivatives are found in various day to day products like asphalt, gasoline, calibrating fluid, kerosene, glues, charcoal lighter fluid, contact cements, adhesives, inks, pesticides, cigarette lighter fluid, charcoal lighter fluid, rubber cement, solvents lacquer thinners, and many petroleum-based products.
St Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
It is very well known that benzene exposure is linked to cancer; hence employers who have people working in environments which have high exposure to benzene and its derivatives should reduce the exposure to the employees. If you have been working in an environment with excessive exposure to benzene which has resulted in cancer, you can legally claim damages for your condition under workers’ compensation.
Families of people who have died due to conditions resulting from benzene exposure may also be eligible for death benefits.
To ensure that you claim goes smoothly and that you and your family receive the compensation you are entitled to under Missouri law, contact a St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer at our law office. We have been fighting to protect the right of injured Missouri workers for over 20 years and have the experience necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (314) 361-4300 for a Free Consultation!