BENZENE
Diseases:  Leukemia, Cancer

Occupational Risk: Painters   Paper Workers
   Chemical Workers  Pulp Manufacturing Workers
   Shoe/Leather Workers Adhesive Production Workers
   Rubber Workers  Newspaper Press Workers
   Printers

Benzene Products: Gasoline Old Spot Removers
   Paints  Furniture Wax
   Inks  Plastics
   Adhesives Lubricants
   Rubbers Dyes
   Glues  Detergents
   Drugs
 
Benzene is a chemical that is used in the manufacture of a wide range of industrial products, including chemicals, dyes, detergents, and some plastics. It is released into the air from emissions from automobiles and burning coal and oil. Benzene is a carcinogen that can cause cancer in humans, especially Leukemia.

Serious side effects such as Leukemia have been discovered in those exposed to the chemical from less than five years to over 30 years.  Short-term exposure to high levels can cause dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and death.  As many as 238,000 people in the United States have been occupationally exposed to Benzene. 

Benzene has caused cancer in workers exposed to high levels from workplace air. Workers in industries that produce or use benzene are often exposed the highest levels of the chemicals, and therefore are at a higher risk.  Benzene is used in gasoline, paints, inks, rubbers, adhesives, glues, old spot removers, and furniture wax.    It is also used in the production of certain plastics, rubbers, glues, dyes, lubricants, drugs, pesticides, and detergents.  Benzene can also transfer to the air from water and soil.  It can also pass to soil from snow or rain, and transfer from soil into ground water. 

If you or a loved one has been injured by benzene you may be entitled to punitive damages.  Leukemia patients need to contact an experienced law firm before filing a lawsuit or claim.  Keller & Keller LLP has experience in pharmaceutical negligence cases and will fight to make sure that your rights are protected and you receive compensation for your injuries.

James R. Keller
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Partner at Keller & Keller