Are You At Elevated Risk of Benzene Exposure?

Posted on May 11, 2009 by David Austin

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.  

 

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Study Links Household Use of Paint and Childhood Leukemia

Posted on April 10, 2009 by David Austin

Researchers at the University of California have found an association between household paint use and childhood leukemia. According to the study children exposed to paint at home had a 65% greater risk of acute lympho-blastic leukemia (ALL). The risk increased with frequency of paint exposure.

The study also suggested that mothers who used paint during preconception or pregnancy were three times more likely than those who used no paint to have a child with ALL. Researchers said this could signify that paint causes problems in early fetal development and suggested that, "avoiding the use of paint in the house during pregnancy and early childhood would be a prudent measure."

Many other cancers have already been linked to paint which contains benzene and a host of other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to benzene is known to cause several rare blood disorders such as aplastic anemia, and myelodysplastice syndromes, and is linked with acute myelogenous leukemia.

Painting raises household VOC levels significantly for several days after application. Though levels typically go down again soon after the paint is dry, off gassing will continue slowly for years.

Those who use paint regularly on the job should take all possible measures to protect thmselves from the vapors.

A growing number of US and European companies are now offering natural paint products with low or zero VOCs, in an ever increasing array of modern colors.

I have used some of them and found them every bit as good as conventional indoor paints.

Here are some suggestions for safer indoor painting:

  • Use a low or no VOC variety of paint.
  • Plan painting for a warm dry spell and leave windows open for 3 days.
  • Never use exterior paint indoors
  • Take fresh air breaks.
  • Watch for symptoms of chemical exposure such as dizziness, and headaches and move to fresh air.

 

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