Where Is Benzene Found and What Can it Do to You?

Benzene is a carcinogenic, meaning a known cancer-causing material. Many manufacturing companies use benzene in household products such as paint and detergents. The petroleum industry also relies on benzene for several purposes. Exposure to benzene as a consumer or worker could lead to many serious health complications.

Where Might You Encounter Benzene?

Benzene is a naturally occurring compound found in vehicle emissions, gasoline, crude oil, and cigarette smoke. Workers most at risk of harmful levels of benzene exposure include rubber and plastics workers, printers and press workers, refinery workers, chemical workers, and gasoline distributors. If you work for a manufacturing company that uses benzene in its products, or you are around a substance that naturally emits benzene gas, consider your risk for harmful exposure

Manufacturing facilities that use benzene in its products could expose workers to constant benzene inhalation. Over time, this toxic chemical compound could result in serious negative health effects.  It is also an ingredient in many consumer products.

Benzene Is a Known Carcinogenic

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that benzene is a Class A carcinogenic that could cause reproductive health effects in women, adverse effects on developing fetuses, and leukemia. Chronic inhalation of benzene at high levels could cause cancer to form in the white blood cells. Even short-term exposure could cause several acute inhalation symptoms, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, abdominal swelling or pain or unconsciousness. It is critical to see a doctor as soon as you notice potential symptoms of benzene exposure. Describe your exposure to benzene at work or in your home. Tests can be administered to confirm benzene exposure and measure the amount of benzene in your breath, blood, or urine shortly after exposure.

Your Rights After Harmful Exposure to Benzene

If your workplace or a consumer product exposed you to benzene to the point that you are experiencing symptoms or health problems, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Employers should be aware of the dangers of benzene exposure, and properly equip their employees with respirators, goggles, and other protective equipment to prevent illnesses. Failure to prevent benzene exposure is negligence. If you believe you have a health problem because of benzene, talk to a lawyer about your options for financial recovery.

A benzene lawsuit could result in compensation for your past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and lost quality of life. Your employer, a product manufacturer, or another party could be liable for paying these damages. Contact an attorney today about your potential benzene lawsuit.