The World Health Organization estimates that up to 1/4 of all disease stems from environmental toxins. If this is truly the case, it means that toxic chemicals released by humans into the environment are sickening millions of people around the globe. At the greatest risk of health degrading chemical exposure are those living in developing countries where environmental laws are often weak or non-existent. In the U.S. while we have better laws around pollution and toxic chemical disposal than many developing nations, it is still important to take action on a personal level to protect yourself and your family from environmental toxins.

Of particular concern is the chemical Benzene. This aromatic hydrocarbon is present in many forms of pollution. Benzene is a commodity chemical that industry still depends on. The chemical has been in continuous use since the early 1800′s when it was first manufactured by distilling coal. By the end of that century benzene was highly valued and widely used as an industrial solvent, but people were beginning to suspect benzene was associated with blood disorders. Today many epidemiologic studies have confirmed that even low levels of benzene exposure are associated with aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In 1928 the first study came out suggesting that benzene increased the risk of leukemia. Since then it has been firmly established that benzene causes acute myelogenous leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia, among others. 

In 1948 the American Petroleum Institute published a toxicological review of benzene stating that benzene caused leukemia, and that there was no safe exposure level.

The more than a hundred years of evidence linking benzene to sickness and death has lead to reductions in it’s use, and stricter regulation by OSHA and NIOSH limiting work place exposure. Unfortunately both agencies still allow some airborne benzene to be present in work environments. 

If you have spent years working in almost any industrial environment you are at increased risk of benzene related illness, and should educate yourself as to the benzene exposure possibilities specific to your occupation. Workers sickened by benzene can often gain monetary compensation for their injuries, and should seek the free advice of a qualified benzene attorney without delay.

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