Benzene Exposure - Contact a Lawyer
Benzene Exposure : What is it?
Benzene causes leukemia. Sometimes known as Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Benzene is a component of products derived from coal and petroleum. It is found in gasoline and other fuels, and used in the manufacture of plastics, detergents, pesticides, and other chemicals. Workers who have been exposed may be at risk for certain types of cancer.
The exposure levels that have been associated with cancer have ranged from from less than 5 years to people exposed for more than 30 years. These workers have died of rare forms of Leukemia. Long-term exposure may also adversely impact bone marrow and blood production.
A number of studies and reviews of leukemia and its relationship to Benzene exposure have been published. Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health, concluded that benzene was linked to many forms of leukemia including acute myelogenous leukemia AML as well as acute and chronic lymphocytic and myeloid leukemia (Savitz, D., and Andrews, K.,"Review of Epidemiologic Evidence on Benzene and Lymphatic and Hematopoietic Cancers," Amer. J. Industrial Health 31:287-295 (1997).
Leukemias are malignant diseases that affect the blood and bone marrow.
The four major types of leukemia are:
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML),
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Exposed workers that have developed leukemia may have inhaled vapors from the Benzene or absorbed it through their skin.
Since the 1980's benzene has been banned as a solvent but unfortunately, many workers may be developing Leukemias through old or indirect exposure.
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