What is Benzene?
Benzene is a commodity chemical widely used in the industrial sector in the production of many products we use every day, such as:
- fuels
- plastics
- resins
- rubbers
- synthetic fibers
- lubricants
- detergents
- dyes
- pesticides
- drugs
This highly carcinogenic organic solvent has been shown disrupt blood cell production in humans, leading to a number of hematological (blood) diseases such as:
- aplastic anemia
- myelodysplastic syndromes
- non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
- acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Those who work in the industrial sector are at risk of harm from exposure to this chemical, and should be aware of the benzene exposure possibilities posed by their specific job. Thousands of workers have been needlessly sickened and killed due to exposure that could have been avoided by taking the correct precautions.
While some employers are responsible in this area, a clear pattern of neglect regarding the dangers of benzene exposure is exemplified in countless successful lawsuits which have resulted in monetary compensation for the exposed worker, or their families.
If you work in almost any industrial setting, your risk is elevated. Do not count on your employer to protect you, rather, take personal responsibility for your health by using every possible means of protection when working with or around products containing benzene.
A recent Benzene Leukemia Law Blog post, "On The Job Benzene Exposure: Know What To Do," is a useful starting point for workers seeking to educate themselves about benzene exposure.
Tags: "aplastic anemia" "myelodysplastic syndromes" "non-Hodgkin's lymphoma" (NHL) "acute myelogenous leukemia" (AML) benzene "acute lymphocytic leukemia" (ALL), ALL, AML, Information-News, Myelogenous, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma