Attorneys At Law.

We solve the complex.

Benzene Lawyer

A colorless liquid with a sweet odor, benzene is an organic chemical compound once used—before it's carcinogenic risks were known—as an aftershave lotion and to decaffeinate coffee. Today, benzene, or benzol, is widely used to develop other chemicals used to produce plastics, polymers, adhesives, and synthetic fibers.

Benzene Exposure

Products such as glues, furniture waxes, detergents, and paints may contain benzene and during use, may release it in gases or vapors. Often, workers are exposed at their jobs in industries that make or use benzene. Water may become contaminated with benzene when underground storage tanks from hazardous waste sites are damaged and begin leaking.

Injuries Caused by Benzene: Cancer, Anemia

Benzene evaporates quickly, is highly flammable, and is dangerous to people if ingested. Breathing benzene causes drowsiness and dizziness, and can result in unconsciousness. Given high enough concentrations, even short term breathing in of benzene can have serious consequences, including death. Ingesting benzene through food or drink laced with high levels of the chemical compound can cause stomachache, vomiting, sleepiness, convulsions, and death.

Long-term exposure to benzene negatively affects the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells resulting in anemia, excessive bleeding, and decreased immune response. Benzene is also a known carcinogen and its effects on the bone marrow can result in leukemia, specifically acute myelogenous leukemia or AML.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

A fast growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow, acute myelogenous leukemia affects the development of white blood cells that normally fight off infection. Because they do not develop normally, the unformed cells--called blasts--are unable to fight infection, compromising the body's immune response which can lead to frequent infections and fever. AML may also affect the production of red blood cells and platelets. As the abnormal leukemia cells crowd out the normal ones, the jobs healthy cells complete are compromised: red blood cells fail to carry oxygen needed throughout the body and platelets fail to control bleeding.

Over 10,000 cases of acute myelogenous leukemia are diagnosed in the US each year, making it a relatively rare cancer. It is an aggressive cancer, and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated. Treatments may include chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and/or cord blood tranplant.

Benzene Attorney

Toxic exposure to benzene can have devestating consequences on both the victim and their family. If you or a loved one have been affected by benzene poisoning, please contact one of our toxic tort attorneys today. Our benzene lawyers have helped many people negligently exposed and harmed by these toxic fumes.

For more information

Pittsburgh, PA. Greensburg, PA. Johnstown, PA. West Virginia. Saginaw, MI Allen Park, MI.