Benzene Leukemia Law Blog : Benzene and Leukemia Lawyer & Attorney : Burke & Eisner Law Firm : Benzene Exposure, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Parish chemical Co. in Vineyard Utah faces a lawsuit filed late last week by the EPA. The suit stems from a 2008 inspection during which federal investigators discovered a staggering collection of toxic waste sitting “unsecured” in hundreds of open vats and containers.

According to the suit, the containers were “failing” and “improperly managed.” In order to “reduce the potential of fire and/or explosion,” EPA workers removed hundreds of the containers from the site.

Appallingly, many of the containers were not labeled as hazardous or had no label, others sported question marks, or labels reading “unknown.”

The lack of care clearly displayed by the company was not because the chemicals were considered benign, the substances discovered at Parish are some of the most flammable, volatile, and health hazardous chemicals currently in use. The list includes methylene chloride, acetone, petroleum ether, benzene, toluene, and perchloric acid.

The following list of additional allegations appeared in yesterday’s Salt Lake Tribune:

•  Records for wastes shipped off-site were incomplete.
•  Drums had collapsed or were in poor condition.
•  Hazardous wastes were stored for years beyond a 90-day limit.
•  There was no record of tank inspections or air emissions tests.
•  The company did not have liability coverage for accidents.

According to the lawsuit, the cost of the federal response was $640,000. The suit seeks penalties of $32,500 to $37,500 per violation.

This type of reckless behavior puts workers at risk of unnecessary chemical exposure. Obviously Parish Chemical Co. has a very lax attitude about storing dangerous waste which directly indicates a lax attitude towards worker health and longevity.

All of the above listed chemicals are hazardous to human health, especially benzene. Long term exposure to the chemical severely impairs the immune system by disrupting the body's ability to produce blood cells, this can result in a number of potentially fatal hematological disorders like, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Parish will lose this case and pay a relatively small fine, but in situations like this it's the workers that really lose. At place like Parish an employee who regularly clocks in to do his or her job could be rewarded with a debilitating and potentially fatal illness. Sadly this is not uncommon, even with today's laws and safeguards workers are often sickened due to the actions of their employers.

If you or a loved one have been wrongfully harmed by benzene at work, it is important to speak with a benzene lawyer without delay. Some states have statues of limitations (time limits) that could block you from compensation. Reputable benzene lawyers charge nothing to discuss your case, and only receive payment if your case is successful.

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Dailybreeze.com reports that Shell Oil Co. has found the ground beneath the Carousel housing tract in Carson Ca., to be extensively contaminated with benzene and methane. 

The contamination is thought to stem from shell owned oil reserves operated on the land from the 1920's to 1960's. In those days, oil was stored in subterranean concrete lined tanks which are now illegal due to problems with leakage. Today oil is stored in above ground tanks.

Barbara Post, president of the Carousel Homeowners' Association said:

"Chemicals are a serious matter, we have to trust that Shell is going to take care of it for us."

So far, Shell seems to be reacting to the situation responsibly, but that attitude seems a bit naive. If one must trust Shell to take care of something like this, I would recommend also taking all possible measures toward forcing them to do the right thing.

Oil companies can be counted on to downplay any contamination related issue, here's a text book quote from shell spokeswoman Alison Chassen:

"We don't believe that there is reason to be concerned from a safety perspective, but we felt like it was the right thing to do to make sure there were not the same levels detected on residential properties."

No reason for concern? Very comforting I'm sure to for the 275 home owners on the Carousel tract.

Chassen is full of it. There is at the very least, some reason for concern in the area of safety when your neighborhood is found to be sitting on a toxic chemical plume. One such reason is that extensive subterranean benzene contamination has been known release fumes that seep into the structures located over the plume, potentially exposing residents to one of the most carcinogenic substances known to humans. 

Benzene exposure has been linked to debilitating and potentially fatal blood diseases like acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The possibility of people contracting these disorders should be of concern from any reasonable "safety perspective."

So far the testing has been done only on public rights of way, Shell is now seeking home owner's permission to test their yards.

The Regional Water Quality Control Board is overseeing the testing.

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According to the Indianapolis Star, the Indianapolis based chemical plant Vertellus, formerly Reily Tar & Chemical Co., has agreed to pay a 425,000 in fines and to a two year  $705,000 repair plan aimed at leak prevention and emissions monitoring.

Failure to comply with [chemical] leak detection and repair requirements under federal emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants was the rap.

The company arrogantly professed:

"[Vertellus] is confident that these emissions did not have any effect on it's employees or neighbors."

Translation: 

"Vertillus is confident that you people can't prove anything and cannot afford to oppose us. Don't mess with us...

Benzene has a long history of association with illness. Even when first manufactured in the early 1800's, benzene was suspected of harming human health. In 1928 the first study came out validating long held fears that benzene increases the risk of leukemia. 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.

Since then many studies have firmly established that benzene exposure can lead to acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and more. 

A recent study on Chinese workers found that airborne benzene levels of just 1ppm, (allowable levels according to OSHA and NIOSH standards,) caused a notable reduction in blood cell production. This shed light on the possibility that long term exposure to even minute levels of the chemical could lead to the bone marrow failure disorders mentioned in the above paragraph.

Over a hundred years of evidence links benzene to sickness and death. Thishas lead to reductions in it's use, and stricter regulation by OSHA and NIOSH limiting work place exposure. Both agencies still allow some airborne benzene to be present in work environments.

If you or a loved one have been harmed by benzene, a benzene lawyer is your best bet. Benzene lawyers know how to handle powerful corporations and make them pay for carelessly harming workers, and those who live in close proximity to industry.

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A new study receiving lots of attention this week has shown that burning common paraffin wax based candles releases potentially harmful pollutants.

Scientists from South Carolina State University burned candles in a special chamber so as to monitor the contents of the smoke, and found that benzene, toluene and ketones where present.

Benzene has been linked to bone marrow failure disorders like aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Toluene and ketones are associated with asthma and birth defects.

Researcher and study co-author Amid Hamidi:

"Each time a candle is burned, if it is paraffin, which is basically petroleum-based, it provides really nasty chemicals in the emissions."

How worried should we be? Hamidi clarifies:

"Candles are so widespread, an occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you. But lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an unventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems."

The researchers also looked at emissions from vegetable and beeswax based candles.

Hamidi:

"Although more expensive, apparently [they] are healthier. They do not release potentially harmful amounts of indoor air pollutants while retaining all of the warmth, ambiance and fragrance of paraffin candles (which are made from petroleum).

OK, here's the grain of salt. The study was funded by a grant tilted "Soybean Candles for a healthy Life and well Being."

As you might imagine the National Candle Association does not agree with this study, and points to a German study it funded which found that paraffin based wax candles are safe.

Barbara Miller, spokesperson for the National Candle Association:

“all candles burn about the same way … When you burn a candle properly, you should get carbon dioxide and water vapor.”

Burn a candle properly? How many ways are there to burn one?

Lets be clear, benzene is a natural byproduct of combustion, if you chose to burn anything at all inside your house, your indoor benzene levels will go up.

There's no doubt in my mind that burning paraffin candles is less healthy than burning "natural wax" candles. I would have told you that well before this study, which is just more fodder in the ongoing battle between "conventional" and "natural" products. 

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The Texas legal journal Southeast Texas Record reports that "a man who claims he was exposed to benzene and other carcinogens throughout his career with the Kansas City Southern Railway Co. has filed suit against his former employer."

Richard Czuprynski says that during his employment with KCS, he was exposed to benzene, xylene, toluene, mixed solvents and diesel exhaust (which also contains benzene and other chemicals).

Czuprynski worked for the railway as a conductor, brakeman and engineer, from 1976 through march of this year.

The suit lists a number of "negligent acts" on the part of the KCS:

• failure to provide a safe place to work
• failure to limit hazardous substance exposure
• failure to warn of dangers of hazardous substances
• failure to provide adequate protective equipment

Czuprynski alleges that he developed the blood disease non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a result of his exposure to benzene. According to the suit he seeks compensation for his mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, lost earnings and benefits, and the related medical costs.

Czuprynski has a solid case here, he was clearly exposed to benzene on the job for years, and has a blood disorder that is clearly linked to benzene. The odds of a favorable outcome lie with Czuprynski.

Many Americans have been needlessly and carelessly exposed to benzene over the course of their careers leaving many who were simply doing their jobs sick and unable to work.

The fact is that industry has been aware of the dangers of benzene and of evidence that it causes cancer for over a hundred years. Today science continues to link specific blood disorders and leukemias with benzene exposure. The growing list includes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

If you or a loved one have worked in an industrial setting for any extended period and have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions, contact a benzene lawyer immediately. In some states statutes of limitations (time limits) exist that could prevent you from successfully obtaining compensation, even though your case may be cut and dry.  

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USnews.com reports that 9/11 responders may face increased risk of the hematological disease multiple myeloma.

The brave and selfless heroes who worked at Ground Zero in the wake of the World Trade Center bombings have in many cases sacrificed their health for the good of the country. Most of them probably would have been there even if the EPA had not deliberately downplayed the risks posed by massive exposure to the carcinogenic dust and smoke. Perhaps if the EPA had taken the threat more seriously, more precautions could have been taken to protect the health and futures of those who risked it all to help others in our country's hour of need. 

Countless photos show responders wearing SARS style dust masks, which in this case were the breathing protection equivalent of a sugar pill, not up to the task of filtering carcinogens from heavily chemical laden smoke.

The recent upswing of multiple myeloma in ground zero workers is being seen as the beginning of a "third wave" of debilitating ground zero related illness. The first wave was coughing and acute respiratory distress and the "second wave" was chronic lung diseases. Dr. Robin Herbert, co-director of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program fears that this "third wave" could last for decades as most workers can safely be said to have inhaled large quantities of carcinogens, and many cancers take years to develop.

Alarmingly, though multiple myeloma is almost always a disease of the the elderly, with only 1% of cases found in patients under 40, half of the cases diagnosed in 9/11 rescue workers were identified among law enforcement officers under the age of 45. 

Dr. Denise Pereira, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine said:

 "A lot of the things they were exposed to, such as benzene, have in the past possibly been implicated with an increased incidence in the cancer. It does make theoretical sense."

Benzene exposure has been proven to affect blood cell production in humans and is already linked to several other diseases of the blood and marrow such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Peter Grandich, a billionaire philanthropist dedicated to supporting 9/11 workers said:.

"Of the 40,000 people who responded to ground zero after the attacks, 70 percent, or 33,000, are sick or dying as a result of their service, we are talking about thousands of EMTs [Emergency Medical Technicians], EMS [Emergency Medical Service] workers, police, fire, military, construction workers and volunteers from all over the country who now suffer from breathing and lung ailments, post-traumatic stress disorder, organ failure and other horrific physical and mental illnesses."

Many of these folks are now unable to work. Grandich expressed outrage at the plight of these brave souls: 

"As an American and a native New Yorker, I'm extremely upset that the true heroes of America's greatest single tragedy are being totally discarded and left to literally die. And, despite this truly appalling occurrence, not one of them has been known to say if they had to do it all over again, they wouldn't"

The U.S government should compensate all of these people and take care of them and their families for the rest of their lives. Their service to our country and the victims of 9/11 should be generously rewarded (I mean money here folks).

Since the above will probably never happen, especially since most of our tax dollars have recently been handed to corrupt bankers in what will one day be seen as the greatest most ingenious robbery in the history of human kind, the task of helping these families falls on you and me.

The Feal-Good Foundation, is a non-profit organization started by disabled ground zero worker John Feal, that raises money to help those harmed by their service at ground zero. Click here to check out the website and find out how you can help. While you're there, check out the eye opening video "Save The Brave," which outlines the plight of 9/11 ground zero workers.

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Old underground gas storage tanks put people at risk of exposure to benzene and other carcinogens. As these tanks deteriorate, they release their content into the ground, threatening to poison ground water, and drinking water wells.

According to a 2005 Sierra Club report, in 2005 the U.S. had 680,000 leaking underground storage tanks, with about 9,000 new leaks discovered annually. 

Fortunately the recent economic stimulus package includes $197,000 for storage tank cleanup. The funds are to be used for sites of unknown ownership, or where property owners are unwilling or unable to pay for the cleanup.

Margret Levin of the Sierra Club said:

"The longer that leaking tanks remain buried and aren’t cleaned up, the greater the chance of ground water contamination. The gasoline and oil from the tanks contain toxic substances such as benzene, toluene and heavy metals that can cause cancer and other health problems."

“The money that we’re getting won’t completely solve the problem, but it will help,” 

Long term exposure to even small amounts of benzene has been shown to reduce white blood cell counts, and has been linked to life threatening blood diseases and leukemias like, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

People living near old or even newer gas stations, or any buried gas or oil tanks, face possible water table or well contamination and should consider having their water tested for petrochemicals.

If you or a loved one have been wrongfully exposed to benzene, your best ally is a qualified benzene lawyer. Benzene lawyers are familiar with all the issues surrounding wrongful benzene exposure, and are equipped to go up against even the most powerful corporations in order to obtain compensation for victims. A reputable benzene lawyer will ask for no money unless they win your case. If there is any chance you've been exposed, you owe it to yourself to contact a benzene lawyer today.

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According to the World Health Organization over 25% of illness world wide is caused by environmental toxins, meaning pollution.

Arguably, the ignorance that allowed humans to mindlessly pollute the planet in pursuit of economic prosperity fueled the industrial revolution and allowed the rise of industrialized nations in the 20th century. However, today there are many reasons why this mentality must be cast aside. Modern science has recently shed light on just how negatively pollution can affect our health and our environment. 

Benzene, just one carcinogen of the many found in modern pollution, has been shown to dramatically increase the risk of life threatening hematological (blood) diseases like aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, and leukemias such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myelogenous leukemia. 

I'm sure many would point out that we have improved our nation's air quality in the last 30 years, and that our air is now cleaner than ever. While this may be true, a large portion of our population is breathing toxic air daily. And while we're on the subject, let's remember the developing world. A major reason our air here in the U.S. is cleaner these days is that many big polluters have moved to to poorer nations with little or no regulation of pollution. This forces levels of pollution unknown in today's U.S., on millions of the world's poorest people.

Our air may be cleaner than ever, but in many densely populated parts of the U.S. the air quality is cause for alarm. Recent revelations as to the toxicity of the air outside many U.S. schools has lead the EPA to launch an unprecedented new air toxics monitoring initiative that will analyze the air outside 62 schools in 22 states. The schools are all in areas which according to government data, are determined to be toxic hot spots.

The EPA acknowledges that this program comes in the wake of a recent USA Today study which used government data to show that air outside 435 schools was more toxic than than air outside Meredeth Hitchens Elementary. Hitchens Elementary was an Ohio school closed in 2005 after the Ohio EPA discovered air born carcinogen concentrations 50 times higher than acceptable state levels.

Clearly we still have work to do cleaning up our nation's air.

For all it's hyperbole, I got a kick out of the following editorial from Ohio's Ironton Tribune which makes the case for clean air as a inalienable right for all Americans. While a shade nationalistic I agree with this sentiment though I would extend the right to all inhabitants of the planet, and call it a human right. I think that the idea will almost certainly be embraced as the information age allows humans to learn exactly what they are breathing, and why it's dangerous:

"When our founding fathers wrote that all Americans had certain inalienable rights they were trying to secure key liberties they felt all citizens deserved.

"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness" were chief among these. It would have been impossible for the authors of the Declaration of Independence to know there was at least one more they should have included: the right to breathe clean air..."

Continue reading...

These days you've just got to ask yourself, why should anyone be allowed to release known carcinogens, at any level, into the air we all have to breathe?

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Two years ago, a massive plume of toxic chemicals was discovered beneath the site of a Sydney waterfront development. Now Australia's tax payers face footing the $98m clean-up bill.

Australia's Environment Protection Authority just declared that chemical leaching of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene and cyanide at the site poses "a significant risk of harm to human health and the environment" also pointing out the the chemicals are at "concentrations significantly exceeding trigger values for the protection of human health". 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, it has also recently come to light that, "the contaminated groundwater is making its way into Darling Harbor, potentially killing marine life at the tourist hot spot."

The Herald also pointed out that:

There is a distinct possibility the site's polluter, Alinta, may escape the cost of the clean-up because a higher threshold of remediation is required to allow residential towers on the site.  

This would be normal as well engineered loopholes often allow polluting corporations to escape cleaning up the toxic messes they create worldwide.

Chief executive of the Barangaroo Development Authority, John Tabart, says the site is safe because "contaminated ground water is away from the public." he continued:

"It is controlled... and removed from that area, [but] this can't continue on and that is why there is now a remediation order."

Folks like Mr. Talbert are often overly optimistic about remediation and the safety of highly toxic sites. It would be nice if contaminated ground water didn't pose a threat to the public due to it's being underground, that would seem logical to those unfamiliar with benzene plumes. At best Mr. Talbert is unaware that in areas heavily contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons, vapors have been known to rise to the surface sometimes seeping into homes. Also, underground chemical plumes are notoriously difficult to completely remediate, meaning there will likely be some amount of benzene present under the site for a very long time.

Recently a government gazette said this about the contaminated groundwater at the site:

"[The contaminated groundwater] is impacting the surrounding areas, including the basement of a residential building adjacent to the site, potentially exposing humans in that building to harmful vapors; however, it is currently being effectively controlled."

Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to severe and potentially fatal blood disorders such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and others. According to the World Health Organization, humans should take all possible measures to avoid benzene whenever possible.  

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In the United States our way of life is made possible by petroleum products such as gasoline and oil. Indeed we would not be where we are today without oil, but what is the cost to the health of our nation? Considering that most of us are regularly exposed to gasoline vapors, should we accept the addition of benzene, a class A known human carcinogen, to our gasoline?

Gasoline and oil products and the industries that surround them pose a significant threat to the health of consumers, workers, and communities:

• The international center for technology assessment estimates that medical costs associated with gasoline and diesel related cancers, birth defects, respiratory illnesses are well above $500 billion a year.
• An Denver USA study shows that children living near heavy traffic and/or gas stations are six times more likely to have cancer, and eight times more likely to have leukemia. (Benzene is unquestionably linked to several leukemias like acute myeloid leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.)
• Britain's Birmingham University calls gasoline and vehicle emissions "the primary culprits" directly responsible for their conclusion that UK children living near major traffic hubs face 12 times more risk of cancer related death.
• German scientists found that blood benzene concentrations in children living near heavy traffic or filling stations are 70% higher than in other children.

The above facts are indeed disturbing and perhaps a slap in the face to anyone who hasn't yet noticed that human health is often unable to trump profit in the current economy.

Take for example the tobacco industry, makers of the only product that, when used as directed, causes death. Like the petrochemical industry they too are allowed to add benzene, and whatever other chemicals they want, to their products without any regulation.

But why must we be poisoned on a regular basis? Why don't we just take the known carcinogens out of the gas and call it good? 

Let's face it, it's no coincidence that of the seven EPA designated class A known human carcinogens, benzene and 1,3 butadiene (the ones in gas and cigarettes), are by far the least restricted. Restricting these commodity chemicals, or replacing them with alternatives (yes they exist) would cut deeply into the profits of some of the most economically powerful groups in the world.

It is true that blending ethanol with gasoline can result in a significantly less toxic fuel, in some parts of the U.S. these fuels are already available, but many doubt that ethanol blended fuels will ever sweep the globe because ethanol production is agriculture based and thus elaborate and costly.

While it is currently impossible to completely eliminate petrochemical exposure in our population, we must hold oil companies accountable for their actions and insure that the fuels that humans regularly handle are as free of carcinogens as possible. The facts above show that the current situation is completely unacceptable.

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John McDevitt of Philadelphia's KYW radio said the following regarding the incident this week at St. Josephs:

One person was being treated and dozens of others were evacuated after a hazardous chemical spilled inside a lab at St. Joseph's University's science center.

The mishap occurred around 12:30pm.

Fire officials say the substance -- benzene -- can be toxic when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

A decontamination corridor was set up near the spill site to help anyone exposed to the chemical rinse it off.

OK, not much info here. There's just one thing I'd like to point out: use of the word "can" is a bit misleading since benzene is well understood to be extremely toxic to humans not just sometimes, but all the time.

Short term exposure to benzene can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness disorientation, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and in major exposures, death.

Long term exposure to small amounts, and short term exposure to large amounts of benzene can lead to serious health complications down the line. Benzene has well established links to hematological (blood) disorders and leukemias. Myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myloid leukemia are just a few of the debilitating diseases that can be caused by exposure to this chemical.

If you or a loved one have been wrongfully exposed to benzene, you should seek the free advice of a qualified benzene lawyer. Benzene lawyers are well versed in the issues and precedents associated with wrongful benzene exposure, and are skilled at going up against even the most powerful corporations in order to help victims receive the compensation they deserve.

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On Tuesday Stephen Colbert, the Comedy Central "news commentator" railed against a lake city man who filed a lawsuit saying that the city of Seattle must conduct an environmental review prior to it's Fourth of July fire works show at the city's Gas Works Park.

Gas Works...ummm... Park? The area is a partially remediated toxic waste site.

At the Heart of the lawsuit are concerns that the thousands of people present at the show could kick loose or otherwise compromise the protective layer of clean soil capping the heavily benzene laden soil below, exposing the public to the the known carcinogen.

A lawsuit attempting to prohibit fire works on the Fourth of July is of course fair game for Colbert's writers, but the lawsuit guy has a point, even if he is a party pooper. Benzene exposure can lead to a number of blood disorders like aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as several types of leukemia including acute myeloid leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

While the lawsuit may be great fodder for the late night TV crowd, it has some valid points. Soil and groundwater that are heavily contaminated with benzene tend to release fumes above ground into the air. Abandoned gas plants tend to be some of the most benzene contaminated sites on earth, and should be avoided.  

Colbert, of course, tends to disagree:

"I say an abandoned gas plant is the perfect place to shoot off fireworks. The pyrotechnics could last for weeks. Plus, thanks to the underground plumes of carcinogenic benzene, you don't have to bring pot."

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog wishes you a happy Fourth of July!

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Are you in the habit of squeezing a few extra drops into your tank after the pump has automatically shut off? If so don't try it in Oregon! The state has outlawed topping off in an effort to reduce airborne levels of benzene, a known carcinogen.

Uri Papish, air quality program operations manager for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) said this about the new law:

“We know that in a lot of counties the benzene levels are far above public health benchmarks, monitoring at one location in Lane County in 2008, for example, showed an average annual benzene reading more than 13 times above the Environmental Protection Agency’s health recommendation.

How will this actually reduce airborne benzene levels? Papish has answers:

Prohibiting gas station attendants from topping off gas tanks — adding just a little more gas after the pump has automatically shut off — keeps them from spilling gas, which releases benzene and other pollutants.

Though the move is being hailed by many as a piece of difficult to enforce regulatory overkill, many americans are still unfamiliar with the dangers of benzene exposure. I would argue that any small reglatory measure taken to reduce airbourne benzene, even if only partially successful, is a good idea. Especially in this case where a simple action can make a big difference in airborne benzene levels, and thus improve public health. But how big of a difference can this really make? 

Lisa Arkin of the Oregon Toxics Alliance is optomistic:

"The DEQ estimates indicate that the changes will reduce benzene emissions by 28 tons annually and other volatile organic compounds by 1,610 tons per year."

Cheap to implement, results look nice on paper, this seems like an elegantly simple way decrease the public's exposure to benzene.

Arkin:

“For us, the best result is cleaning up our air, but the second-­best thing is it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. … It’s not about intruding into people’s personal car space. It’s that this (benzene) is going into the total airshed of our community.”

Benzene is a carcinogenic volitile organic hydrocarbon well known to wreak havoc on the human immune system. Studies continue to show that prolonged exposure, even to small amounts of benzene, disrupts the production of blood cells in humans. This can lead to a long list of bone marrow failure disorders and several types of leukemia including, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, non-Hogkins lymphoma, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and others. 

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The widow and children of a deceased Texas man have filed a lawsuit against Chevron alleging that the man died wrongfully as a result of benzene exposure.

"As a result of such exposure, Luther Wesley Miller, developed multiple myeloma from which he died a painful and terrible death on Feb. 7, 2008," the lawsuit  filed June 19 in Jefferson County District Court states.

The suit alleges that Chevron knew that benzene exposure leads to deadly blood conditions and cancers (which of course they did), yet still allowed employees to work around the chemicals.

The suit also claims that Chevron failed to warn workers of the dangers associated with benzene exposure, and failed to take precautions to avoid exposing Miller to the chemical.

Thousands of workers, in the process of simply doing their jobs, have been needlessly sickened, and have died as a result of benzene exposure. The list of debilitating and potentially deadly blood disorders associated with benzene exposure is not short and includes not only multiple myeloma, but also aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and others. 

Almost anyone employed in the industrial sector is at increased risk of benzene exposure. Don't assume that your employer is fully disclosing, or taking adequate measures to protect you from the dangers of the chemicals you regularly come into contact with on the job.

Today, in the age of information, workers have an unprecedented opportunity to learn the facts about the chemicals they are expected to use, and how to protect themselves from exposure to those chemicals while performing their jobs.

If you have been wrongfully sickened by benzene exposure, contact a benzene lawyer immediately. Many states have statutes of limitations (time limits) which may exclude you from obtaining compensation.

With the assistance of benzene lawyers, many workers who have been wrongfully exposed to benzene have persevered over even the largest corporations. Most benzene lawyers will take no payment unless your case is successful. 

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New York Senator Charles E. Schumer has written a letter to the owner of the Tonawana Coke Corperation strongly urging the company to take swift action to reduce harmful benzene emissions. 

Schumer noted that the plant had reduced emissions of certain toxins, but said that "much more needs to be done to reduce the amount of benzene released into the air."

An EPA and DEC funded study found last year that airborne benzene levels in and around the town of Tonawanda are up to 75 times higher than New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommended guidelines.

Schumer:

“Studies have proven that exposure to these sky-high benzene levels are harmful and that the emissions from this plant are simply too high. A more concerted effort must be made to prevent these toxic chemicals from making their way into our air. I urge the Tonawanda Coke Corporation to map out a plan to reduce these harmful emmissions and present it to the public -- to ensure the health and safety of residents and workers.”

Schumer went on to underline the urgency of the threat that benzene emissions pose to the health of the people of Tonawanda...

"Due to the fact that benzene is a known carcinogen, every effort must be made to greatly reduce the amount that is being released by Tonawanda Coke. Residents of the Town of Tonawanda and the surrounding area are experiencing numerous health problems resulting from these toxic emissions. Serious diseases such as fibromyalgia and many types of cancer are occurring at irregularly high rates among Tonawanda residents. This in addition to less serious ailments such as constant headaches, and increased asthma and allergy rates, are proof enough that something is happening to the town’s residents. It is no coincidence that those suffering from serious health problems live in close proximity to the Tonawanda Coke plant.

Indeed exposure to benzene causes cancer and bone marrow failure (BMF) diseases like aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and others.

The Tone of Schumer's letter was grave but respectful of Tonawanda Coke's contributions the economy of Tonawanda and New York State. Tonawanda Coke Corporation, great company if you can see past them breaking environmental laws and poisoning innocent people with massive amounts of airborne benzene.

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The Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) has filed a lawsuit  against ExxonMobil accusing the oil giant of trampling state environmental laws at it's Scenic Highway chemical plant, in Baton Rouge, by releasing 89,700 pounds more airborne pollution than it's permits allow since May 13, 2008.

The suit brings up multiple documented chemical leaks, and failure to maintain pollution control devices, claiming these factors illustrate a clear pattern of noncompliance with state laws, and constitute a threat to public health.

According to the lawsuit, since may 2008, the company has released pollution in excess of permitted levels, 66 times.

The suit alleges that many of the chemicals released by ExxonMobil were not even covered by permits, for example, 3,800 pounds of propylene, ethylene, and flammable vapors.

Most alarming is the defendant's report of an airborne benzene leak of "at least" 525 pounds. The leak allegedly lasted for 22 days.

Benzene is a carcinogenic organic solvent known to disrupt blood cell production in humans at exposure levels less than 1ppm. Exposure to benzene has been linked to alpastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as several types of leukemia including acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

The LEAN vs. ExxonMobil suit seeks:

• an injunction to stop the release of un-permitted pollution
• civil penalties payed to the state
• a declaration that ExxonMobil is in violation of the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act
• plaintiff attorney and expert witness fees

Marylee Orr, executive director of LEAN said this of the continuing violations:

 “It’s affecting our public health. It’s affecting the way our children learn, it’s affecting everyone in the community, it’s a confirmation that there’s a problem.”


 

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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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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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 A recent study by a team of investigators from the National Cancer Institute, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has linked very low levels of benzene exposure with a decrease in white blood cell production.

The study "Hematotoxicity in Workers Exposed to Low Levels of Benzene," compared the blood cell production of 250 benzene exposed Chinese workers, to that of 140 non-exposed workers, and found reduced white blood cell production in the exposed workers.

Alarmingly, the workers were exposed to airborne benzene levels of less than 1 part per million (ppm), which is below OSHA's allowable long term exposure limit of 1 ppm during an 8 hour work day. OSHA allows a short term (15 minute) work place benzene exposure level of 5 ppm.

The study conducted multiple work place air samples, measuring benzene levels, over the course of one year.

It is well established that higher levels of benzene exposure causes lower blood cell counts, and leads  to blood system diseases like aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, and leukemias such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

This study enforces the idea that, when it comes to benzene, there is no safe exposure level.

This idea is not new, but has taken a long time to sink in. A National Petroleum Institute toxicological report dating back to 1948 states that there is likely no safe exposure level to benzene, and that benzene causes leukemias.

If you or a loved one have been sickened by exposure to benzene at work, you should contact a reputable benzene attorney, it costs nothing to discuss your case, and you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.

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In 2003 A Bexar County Texas state district court ordered the city of San Antonio to pay out $23 million in the case of a young girl diagnosed with leukemia as a result of benzene exposure. A later appeals court ruling favored the family but reduced the payment to $7.64 million. Now The Texas Supreme Court has completely overturned the verdict, leaving the girl, and her family with nothing.

Sarah Pollock was diagnosed with leukemia at age three. Her family's property bordered the notorious West Avenue landfill, which was found to be seeping methane and benzene into their home.

Sarah's doctors all agreed that her case of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) was caused by in-utero benzene exposure. Lawyers for the family were able to produce a long paper trail pointing out that the city had been aware of seepage problems with the landfill for years. The Pollocks were never informed by the city of any dangers regarding the landfill, and were not even aware of the problem until they prepared to sell their home.

Justice Nathan Hecht found that the two main witnesses in the case did not have scientific evidence on which to base their conclusions. 

It's hard to understand where justice Hecht is comming from here, reading over the ruling, it's quite clear that Sarah Pollock was exposed to benzene in-utero, and that the benzene came from the landfill. Though ALL is the most common chilhood leukemia, it is extremely rare. Benzene is a known cause of this disease. This ruling is a mockery of justice. As two lesser courts have ruled, the Pollocks deserve compensation for their ordeal.

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In 2001 Jeff Braccini, whose three-year-old son was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) at the time, opened the leukemia cluster scientific symposium. The symposium was held at the University of Reno and enabled scientists to view the human faces of the diseases they’re studying.

The grantees of the federal grant secured at this most recent showing, which was open to scientists last week, was reportedly to study the Fallon leukemia cluster. When the Fallon leukemia cluster occurred, 17 children were sickened between 1997 and 2001 with the deadly cancer. At the symposium, researchers gathered to share their findings regarding this occurrence and discuss related research.

Man Fights on Behalf of Son

Braccini is reportedly a member of the Families in Search of Truth, which was created to push for further scientific research to be done after the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention was shut down. Senator Harry Reid is said to have meet with all of the families that are a part of this group and have been affected by leukemia to lend a helping hand. He also contributed, along with several of his colleagues, thousands of dollars to the cause.

“It’s important to use research, and it may take time,” Murphy said. “We don’t know what’s changed and what’s abated,” explains Dr. William Murphy from UNR’s School of Medicine.

Topics Covered in Hopes of Leukemia Research

Each researcher at the event presented a project and the preliminary results are reportedly going to go towards an ongoing scientific investigation of the causes of leukemia. According to the scientists, final conclusions will not be met until some point next year.

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