Benzene Exposure

People gain Benzene Exposure in several different ways, either at the workplace, in the environment, or by using a consumer product which containe benzene. Workplace Benzene Exposure is the greatest risk, but the most common Benzene Exposure is through the environment. Benzene can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin, but most cases of benzene exposure are through inhalation.

Occupational exposures to Benzene - Workers in various industries that make or use benzene may be at risk for being exposed to high levels of this carcinogenic chemical. Industries that involve the use of benzene include the rubber industry, oil refineries, chemical plants, shoe manufacturers, and gasoline related industries. In 1987, OSHA estimated that about 237,000 workers in the United States were potentially exposed to benzene, and it is not know if this number has substantially changed since then.

If you are a victim of benzene exposure because of occupational hazards and are now suffering the life-threatening effects, please contact us, to learn more about your rights.

Environmental exposures to Benzene - Sources of benzene in the environment include gasoline, automobile exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, emissions from coke ovens and other industrial processes, and waste water from certain industries. Benzene is commonly found in air in both urban and rural areas but usually at low levels. Areas of heavy vehicular traffic, gasoline stations, and areas near industrial sources may have a higher air level of benzene. Cigarettes have been found to release between 50 and 150 micrograms of benzene per cigarette, making smoking and second-hand smoke sources of Benzene Exposure. In addition, benzene has been identified in contaminated water and food.

Benzene found in cigarettes responsible for acute myeloid leukemia deaths
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill studies assessed the proportion of all types of leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia that is attributable to benzene in cigarette smoke. The researchers calculated that benzene is responsible for 8-48% of all smoking-induced leukemia deaths, as well as 12-58% of all smoking induced acute myelogenous leukemia. Other studies have concluded that benzene is most strongly associated with acute myelogenous leukemia. Benzene exposure affects industrial workers 10-100 times greater than smokers. OSHA and the EPA have set workplace benzene standards but the number of at risk benzene workers continues to remain high.

Consumer products - Some household products may contain some amount of benzene, such as glues, cleaning products, detergents, art supplies, and paint strippers.

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If you have been exposed to benzene while at work and are now suffering serious health conditions such as such as acute myelogenous leukemia, please Contact a Benzene Lawyer .