Benzene exposure has serious health effects. This chemical compound is widely used in the United States to produce many consumer products. In most instances, exposure to benzene comes from working with it or even through the use of products that contain the chemical compound. The chemical can be either inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen. Studies confirm that benzene may cause anemia, leukemia, and kidney cancer. The latency period for developing serious health problems as a result of benzene exposure ranges from 9 months to 20 years. However, breathing in large amounts of benzene in a short period of time can lead to death. If you have been exposed to benzene, you should contact your physician immediately.

Benzene Exposure and Life Threatening Illnesses

Long-term exposure to benzene can have devastating effects on one’s health, leading to the development of conditions such as:

• Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow or blood that is characterized by rapid development of blood cells. Long-term exposure to benzene can disrupt the body’s metabolic processes and lead to a diagnosis of leukemia, particularly the following types:
• Acute Myelogenous or Myoloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells. It is characterized by rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that gather in the bone marrow and interfere with production of normal blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising, easy bleeding, and increased risk for infection.
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) occurs when malignant immature white blood cells multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow. As a result, normal cells in the bone marrow are crowded out, and the malignant cells spread to other organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, anemia, increased risk for infection, weight loss, shortness of breath and enlarged lymph nodes.
• Chronic Myelogenous or Granulocytic Leukemia (CML) occurs when there is increased and unregulated growth of myeloid cells in the bone marrow, and these cells accumulate in the blood. Common symptoms include fever, gout, increased risk of infections, and easy bruising.
• Kidney Cancer caused by benzene is a rare type known as renal cell carcinoma.
• Aplastic Anemia occurs when the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. People who suffer from this type of anemia typically have lower counts of all three types of blood cells: red, white and platelets. Common symptoms include palpitations, increased risk of hemorrhage and bruising, and increased risk for infection.

Contact an Experienced Benzene Exposure Attorney

With over four decades of experience, the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has extensive knowledge about many types of toxic substance cases such as benzene exposure. Our attorneys work to ensure that you receive the best representation and the largest settlement possible. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from benzene exposure, contact us for a free no-obligation consultation.

Resource Links

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Benzene
Visit this link on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s site for more information on benzene and benzene exposure.

U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): Benzene Exposure
Visit this link on OSHA’s website for more information on exposure to benzene in the workplace, such as the legal limits to benzene levels in the workplace.