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this pageBenzene Exposure is Hazardous to Your Health
Benzene exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, and even death. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) lists benzene as a known human carcinogen. Long–term benzene exposure at high levels may cause leukemia, a cancer of the blood–forming organs. Such exposure may also harm bone marrow and interfere with blood cell production, resulting in anemia.
A colorless liquid with a sweet odor, benzene is a chemical formed from both natural processes and human activities. It evaporates into the air very quickly and dissolves slightly in water. It is highly flammable.
Industries use benzene to manufacture other chemicals, plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is contained in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from natural sources, as well as from industrial emissions. Indoor air may contain high levels of benzene from products that contain the chemical such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.
Benzene Exposure Risks in the Workplace
Benzene exposure problems are notorious in industrial workers who make or use benzene. Examples of workers with frequent benzene exposure include painters, distillers, petrochemical workers, dye users, furniture finishers, and rubber manufacturers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible benzene exposure limit of 1 part per million parts (1 ppm) of air in the workplace during an 8–hour day, assuming a 40–hour work week. The EPA has set the maximum permissible level of benzene exposure through drinking water at 0.005 milligrams per liter (0.005 mg/L).
Seeking Legal Help
Representing individuals injured by toxic substances such as benzene is one of the main pursuits of Brayton Purcell. With our trial experience and knowledge of product liability law, we excel in the field of toxic tort litigation. Besides handling the needs of benzene victims, we also represent those exposed to uranium, sulfuric acid, lead paint, diesel fuel exhaust at work, asbestos, beryllium, and various chemicals contained in ordinary household and commercial products.
If you believe you have a claim arising from exposure to benzene or to any other toxic substance, please feel free to contact us. To learn more about benzene exposure, visit the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) web site.
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