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

In June, Benzene Leukemia Law Blog covered an Associated Press (AP) story about possible health risks associated with the inhalation of chemicals due to the use of used shredded tires (known as playground tire crumb) as an injury reducing playground surface. The popular material is also used on modern artificial turf playing fields.

Shredded tires contain high levels of carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, in addition to lead and other heavy metals. According to the June AP article the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was in the process of conducting air and surface samples at four playgrounds.

Although the EPA for years has endorsed recycled-rubber surfaces as a means of decreasing playground injuries, its own scientists now have pointed to research suggesting potential hazards from repeated exposure to bits of shredded tire that can contain carcinogens and other chemicals, according to internal EPA documents.

The scientists cited gaps in scientific evidence, despite other reviews showing little or no health concern, and urged their superiors to conduct a broad health study to inform parents on kids’ safety.

Results from the agency’s limited study, which began last year, are expected within weeks.

It all seemed very reasonable. Maybe using a highly toxic material, in a shredded form, on playgrounds, could be bad for children. Worth a study right?

Well... not exactly. According to a report from investigative reporter Andrew Schneider this week at coldtruth.com, the EPA fell a bit short on this "study."

The following quotes cite documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER.)

Schneider:

Earlier this month, Eric Wachter, director of the EPA Office of the Executive Secretariat replied and conceded that “The Agency has not conducted research to evaluate children’s ‘health effects’ from tire crumb constituents.” (emphasis mine)

Wachter wrote that EPA only did a “literature review” in 2008 and after that began a “very limited methods evaluation study” of “available monitoring methods for characterizing environmental contaminant concentrations at those recreational fields” but has not yet finished even that, says PEER.

The above doesn't check out with the following late June quotes found in the Philadelphia Enquirer from the EPA's press wing:

The preliminary results of a new study by the Environmental Protection Agency may contain good news for field operators. The raw data shows there is no inhalation danger to children who play on various types of artificial fields and play surfaces, according to EPA spokesman Dale Kemery.

“It appears that the results are echoing the New York findings,” Kemery said, citing reports issued last month by the New York state government. The reports found no “detrimental health or environmental effects.”

The EPA study also will address concerns that carcinogens may be emitted from pulverized rubber tires that provide cushioning for many newer-generation, mixed-fiber fields, and play surfaces.

But why would the EPA go to the trouble of pointing out possible health risks of shredded tire playground surfacing and then pretending to launch a study finding it to be safe?

Now we enter into the realm of speculation. Allow me to. Any reasonable person could deduce that using a shredded tires, which contain concentrated carcinogens and heavy metals, in a play area, could possibly be unsafe. Anyone who has ever smelled a modern playground on a sunny day will agree, there is a definite odor, implying that particles from the tires are present in the air. So the EPA acts like they're on the job, ready to address this inherently reasonable concern. Do they have any intention of finding it unsafe or even really studying it? No.

Because of their highly toxic ingredients tires are not allowed in landfills and cannot be burned as they were in the past, they really start to pile up. So you have a major industry around selling recycled tires. Hey, it's green! The EPA notoriously stays out of the way of industry of any kind. When absolutely forced to, they routinely slap big polluters with minuscule fines, thus creating an allowing a culture of  affordable polluting to persist throughout the country. In the U.S. today, largely thanks the the EPA's lackluster performance, it's cheaper to pollute all you want and pay the little fines, on the off chance you are ever caught.

So there's my impolite take on it, here's what Jeff Ruch, executive director of PEER had to say:

The polite way to say it is EPA misled parents and the public into believing it was actually addressing potential toxic exposure risks to kids. Incredibly, EPA takes the position it does not know enough to withdraw its endorsement of playground tire crumb. Common sense and a precautionary approach to children’s health dictate that EPA should not endorse something that it has not examined.

There is a humorous side to all of this. The EPA thought they could do this weak "evaluation" call it a study and rely on their press people to spin things up, making themselves look cautious while giving  playground tire crumb a solid future. HA! maybe ten years ago! This is the age of information. Fools.

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The Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania is one of America’s greatest natural gas resources. As one company scrambles to exploit this resource in Mount Pleasant Township, some residents are growing concerned about the potential for adverse health effects.

Range Resources Corp has drilled dozens of wells in the township to access water for a process known as “hydrofracking.” The process forces a chemical solution that includes benzene, methanol and over 200 others deep into the shale, and this facilitates the release of natural gas.

One research organization tested 54 chemicals in the fluid and found that:

• Nearly one-third are carcinogenic (that is, they are known to cause cancer)
• Nearly three-quarters cause respiratory problems
• Over half pose a risk to the blood and circulatory system

Indeed, benzene is known to cause a number of rare blood disorders and cancer, including aplastic anemia and acute myelogenous leukemia. And although a spokesman for Range Resources said the chemical solution is diluted and used at levels too deep for human exposure, citizens are still rightfully concerned.

The municipal supervisor for the township said he fears that the fluid will escape either above or below ground, and possibly contaminate groundwater. Another resident said she has stopped drinking from her wells and is having it tested because she’s concerned about its safety.

“I do feel the compulsion to make sure this [drilling] does not do horrible things to us,” she said.

Residents in this or other area of Pennsylvania where drilling is being undertaken may want to talk to their local representatives to learn more about measures being taken to prevent toxic contamination.


 
 
 

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Benzene has been found in water wells and soil at the site of an old gas plant in Champaign, Illinois – in some instances, the levels of benzene have been as high as 200 times the amount accepted by health officials as safe.

Energy company, Ameren, now owns the toxic site and residents are asking the company to investigate the problem. The company has outlined its plans to clean up some of the contamination, but generally the plan is to clean the top 10 feet of soil.

Many of the contaminated wells, according to Ameren, are deeper than 40 feet. The company said groundwater at this level will not have an impact on the local residents. However, the head of the Champaign County Health Consumers has called for the company to learn more about the risk to those in the area.

Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked to rare cancers such as acute myelogenous leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Concerned residents are welcome to attend an open house being held by the company on March 11th.





 

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Legislators in New York are seeking the removal of tolls at the Grand Island bridges after a study showed that benzene levels in the area are 100 times higher than what the state considers safe. Benzene is a carcinogen and it’s released by cars idling at the tolls.

The benzene emissions are a major health risk to residents in the Tonawanda area. A local legislator said she is encouraging the governor to use stimulus funds to remove the barriers.

If you have concerns about benzene exposure, either through vehicle emissions or groundwater contamination from industrial waste, it might be in your best interest to contact your local Congress person to find out what – if anything – is being done about the problem.

 

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Natural gas drilling in the Barnett Shale area of Texas produces some 260 tons of air pollution emissions each day. The area is highly populated, and those living in the vicinity are likely being exposed to dangerous pollutants such as methane and carbon dioxide, as well as known carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde.

However, this need not be the case. According to a new study, the air pollution in the Barnett Shale can be controlled existing technology.

“We have come up with viable solutions. The good news is that there are a lot of viable technologies to reduce the emissions, “ said Ramon Alvarez of the Environmental Defense Fund, who conducted the study together with Al Armendariz of Southern Methodist University.

Hopefully, measures will soon be taken to implement these viable solutions to prevent further toxic exposure to those living in the Barnett Shale region of Texas.

 

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According to reports, a new law was recently passed in the state of Oregon regarding ‘topping off” while at the gas station. The new law was approved this past December and will go into effect on July 1, 2009. The state passed the new law in an attempt to reduce the amount of gasoline vapors being emitted into the air at various gas stations throughout the area.  

However, this new ‘topping off’ ban has drawn criticism from gas-station owners who claim that their customers will be prevented from filling up their cars completely. And, let’s face it, the gas-station owners might be losing a buck here and there. Though public-health advocated insist that this new rule is necessary in an attempt to lower the amount of benzene that is released into the air to harm the environment and community.  

Why the Controversy?

Gas-station owners are insisting that the government’s ‘topping off’ law is vague, and could cost them sales. But when a vehicle is ‘topped off’ with gasoline, gasoline is caused to spill and as a result benzene is sent into the air.  

Benzene is a known carcinogen that has been linked to various forms of cancer including leukemia. When benzene is ingested, inhaled or handled, it has been known to not only cause life-altering illnesses, but can even lead to death. And this is why environmentalist and the government are taking action to cut the amount of benzene released into the air wherever they can, loss of sales or not.  
Oregon’s new standards are reportedly aimed at reducing emissions of benzene by about 28 tons each year and other volatile organic compounds by an estimated 1, 610 per year.  
 


 

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According to recent reports, students in Wicomico County, Maryland, are more likely to be exposed to benzene toxins when they’re outside than their fellow classmates in the Lower Shore counties.

The findings were revealed in a recent eight-month USA Today analysis of Environmental Protection Agency pollution that found several areas through the U.S. where toxic chemicals in the air were at troubling levels. Although most schools within Wicomico County had a better than the national average when tested, many of them were found to have dangerously low air quality levels.

Researchers Test for Benzene

The study was conducted by setting up monitoring devices at 95 schools within 30 states in America. Researchers from John Hopkins University and the University of Maryland analyzed several samples from these monitoring devices. This way, there were able to see how pollution levels could make people ill or even increase their risk of various cancers.

The study revealed that the air quality in Beaver Run was volatile and the EPA was able to determine that the people within this community, in particular the children attending the schools directly affected by the poor air and water quality, were extremely risky.

Beaver Run is a school with about 570 children ranging to pre-kindergarten to the second grade. And it was here that scientists found the benzene levels to be extremely risky. The experts who were in charge of the monitoring referred to the levels as being “significant” and they intend on conducting further investigations and taking action to ensure the safety of these children.


 

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Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a cancer of the blood that can have a strong impact on the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Research continues to be done on the illness and doctors are now better fine tuning the risk factors that are associated with myelodysplastic syndrome

.
Among the most common risk factors that have been discovered are smoking, environmental exposures, cancer treatments and congenital diseases. In some cases, people have developed MDS with no apparent causes able to be linked; however, in the majority of cases, these risk factors have been associated with myelodysplastic syndrome.

A Detailed Look at Myelodysplastic Syndrome Risk Factors

Smoking- Researchers have concluded that the only lifestyle-related myelodysplastic syndrome risk factor is smoking. Although it’s old news that smoking is responsible for many types of cancer, including mouth, throat and lung cancer, not many realize that it can affect cells that don’t come into direct contact with smoke. 


Environmental Exposures: Environmental risk factors, most notably exposure to benzene, have been found to be the cause of MDS in many cases. When people are exposed over an extended period of time to benzene and other toxic chemicals, their chances of developing MDS and other life-altering diseases are increased.

Cancer Treatment: Cancer patients who have been treated with certain chemotherapy drugs have been found to be more likely to develop MDS. And combining these medications with radiation therapy only increases this risk further.

Congenital Diseases: Fanconi anemia is an inherited disorder that’s associated with an increased risk of developing leukemia or MDS as a child or young adult.


 

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Novartis AG recently announced that their new cancer drug, Tasigna, is showing promise as an effective treatment for patients suffering from leukemia. According to a spokesperson for the company, Tasigna is effective and helpful for newly diagnosed patients who a living with life threatening forms of leukemia.

Data from the two mid-stage clinical trials was presented at the American Society of Hematology and proved that there was a fast elimination of cancer cells in 96 percent of patients who were given Tasigna as a form of treatment. Patients who were suffering from Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia were reportedly particularly responsive to the drug.  

"Tasigna now shows potential to become the treatment of choice for certain newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia," Novartis stated to reporters.

Tasigna Details

Tasigna has been approved for patients who are no longer responding to Glivec, which until now has been Novartis’ second-biggest seller and the most effective treatment for this deadly form of leukemia.  
Data which was presented to a panel of researchers showed that an estimated nine out of ten patients suffering from this type of leukemia are still living in a healthy state after enduring seven years of a clinical trial with Glivec. This proves to be the longest overall survival for patients who are living with Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML.
Causes of CML

Leukemia and many other forms of cancer are commonly linked to exposure to the toxic chemical benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen that is commonly used in various types of dyes, sodas, and is used as an additive in gasoline.

Those who are exposed to benzene over a long duration of time are at high risk of developing leukemia and other life altering illnesses due to the toxicity of the chemical.
 

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According to a recent study out of Italy, there is new evidence that exposure to benzene can not only increase people’s risk of leukemia, but it’s also linked to multiple myeloma. For years, benzene, which is a toxic chemical that is commonly used as an additive in gasoline, in the production of synthetic rubbers and sodas, has been linked to leukemia and aplastic anemia. However, researchers are now finding that benzene is the cause if other illness as well.

The study was conducted by Dr. Adele Seniori Constantini from the Center for Study and Prevention of Cancer, along with some of her colleagues. The researchers reportedly found that benzene can cause an increased risk of chronic lymphoid leukemia as well multiple myeloma. Two other chemicals, xylene and toluene were also linked with exposure to benzene.

 Study Reveals New Findings

Although Constantini has revealed the results from the new study, benzene’s link with multiple myeloma are reportedly still under debate. In order to investigate the results of benzene exposure, the team of researchers identified all known cases of blood and lymphatic cancers in people ages 20 to 74 in 11 different parts of Italy.

They also looked at 586 cases of leukemia found in seven of the regions and compared chemical exposures for individuals who were sick and to those based on occupation.

The study found that medium to high levels of benzene exposure nearly doubled the risk of these two blood cancers. The more intense levels of exposure were to participants and the longer it lasted, the greater the risk that they would develop a life altering illness.

"Our results, even if based on small numbers, are in agreement with the hypothesis that acute myeloid leukemia risk following benzene exposure declines in time while chronic lymphoid leukemia and multiple myeloma risks are seen over a longer latency period,” claims the research team.

 

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A wastewater treatment company in Shreveport, Louisiana, is currently being investigated due to recent findings that benzene and other toxic chemicals from the plant were being dumped into the Red River. The facility was reportedly shut down in October 2007 after the river was found to be polluted. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality conducted several tests on the water and publicly revealed that hazardous waste from the plant was being disposed of in the river.

Among the toxins that were found to be polluting the river were benzene, toluene and xylene. Each of these chemicals can be extremely dangerous to those exposed and have been linked to various forms of cancer, including leukemia, lung cancer and aplastic anemia.

Ongoing Waste Problems

Despite the legal troubles the waste facility, known as CCS, is facing they are reportedly still seeking permission to discharge wastewater and storm water into areas where they would eventually find their way into the Red River.

Reports from a review of federal and state records related to CCS reveals:

• The illegal dumping of wastewater into Red River
• Four hidden tanks of hazardous waste that were supposedly identified by company officials as treated wastewater
• Concerns about accepting and treating wastewaters in early 2008

The findings of benzene are of most concern to health officials since the chemical is a known carcinogen and can cause fatal illnesses to those exposed over an extended period of time. Benzene can be found in gasoline, cigarettes and sodas.

 

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Residents in Cadillac, Michigan, are voicing their concern over groundwater contamination in Cedar Creek Township. According to reports, a local resident recently had samples taken from trees on his land, which is about one mile northwest of Wexford County landfill, due to his growing concerns that they were contaminated by dangerous chemicals.

Months later, Donald Alger discovered that his original intuition was correct and the trees were indeed contaminated with four types of volatile compounds. Results showed that the trees were contaminated with benzene, toluene, styrene and tetracloroethylene.

Land Contaminated with Benzene

The land, which was originally purchased to serve as the home to Alger’s shiitake mushroom growing operation, was found to be highly contaminated with benzene and other toxic chemicals. As a result, not only were all of the plants ruined, but these chemicals were seeping into the neighbor’s yards and contaminated their land and groundwater as well. Alger immediately knew exactly who to blame, the nearby landfill.

DEQ Fights Back

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality reportedly has been attempting to fight back against Alger and his claims regarding the landfill being the place to blame. However, Alger isn’t the only one pointing fingers, the entire community is up in arms and are concerned that they could now be the victims of benzene exposure.

Benzene is a highly toxic carcinogen that can be potentially fatal to those who inhale, ingest or handle it over an extended period of time. Since many of the plants on Alger’s land just showed signs of harm recently, residents are concerned that this benzene issue could be something that was ongoing without their knowledge.

"They’ve dirtied up my property," stated Alger.

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Recent reports are being exposed regarding an event that took place in July, which could prove to put many lives at risk. In mid-summer a hydrologist reportedly dropped a plastic sampling pipe nearly 300 feet down a water well in Sublette County, Wyoming. What he discovered next was anything but comforting for the rural community. The water below was found to be brown, oily and contained a foul smell. When tested, the water was found to contain benzene, a known carcinogen that has been linked to aplastic anemia.

The amount of benzene found in the water was supposedly 1,500 times the level safe for human beings. When the news was released, state and federal regulatory agencies were sent into a frenzy. Aplastic anemia is a potentially fatal condition for which some treatments can't cure.
 
Investigation Ensues Regarding Benzene Problems

After the benzene-filled water discovery ProPublica found that water contamination in the several other drilling areas throughout the country are more prevalent than what meets EPA standards. However, in each case found, it was difficult for researchers to pinpoint exactly what was causing the contamination and measure it across the environment accordingly.

"I am looking more and more at water quality issues…because of a growing concern," explains Joyel Dhieux, a drilling field inspector who handles environmental review at the EPA's regional offices in Denver. "But if you don't know what's in it I don't think it's possible."

Aplastic Anemia Scare

Aside from the obvious panic that was sent through the small Wyoming County and many others with this sudden water contamination problem, is the risk at the core of the issue: cancer. Benzene has been known to cause aplastic anemia and leukemia in those exposed over extended periods of time. Although aplastic anemia, which is an illness of the blood cells, isn't always severe, aplastic anemia treatments vary and aren't always effective in helping those with the health condition. As a result, many member of the community are getting physicals and have a growing concern for their own health as they educate themselves about benzene and aplastic anemia treatments available.

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Each year more people are diagnosed with leukemia and other forms of cancer; however, cancer treatments have also come a long way as more research and discoveries are made. Pills and various drugs have replaced bone marrow transplants for some patients and there are now genetic tests that can improve cancer care.

The staff at Park Ridge Hospital in North Carolina was recently recognized for consistently staying on top of advancements and technology as it continues to move forward. The Cancer Services and Infusion Center was one of 66 facilities in the nation to receive the 2007 Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award by the American College of Surgeons.

American College of Surgeons Awards Center

The American College of Surgeons helps to determine whether the quality of care offered by various health facilities meets standards and if the patients are getting the latest in care. Even though it was Park Ridge’s first time going through this judging process, the hospital was commended with the award.

The center treats patients with all types of cancer, particularly leukemia, which can be caused by exposure to the known carcinogen, benzene. Benzene is a toxic chemical that can cause life threatening illnesses like leukemia when it’s ingested, inhaled or handled. Those who develop leukemia as the result of benzene exposure often have to go through chemotherapy at Park Ridge as their form of treatment. The infusion center at the facility, where patients receive their chemotherapy, is the only hospital based outpatient infusion cancer program in the area.

There’s also a hospital blood bank where patients can receive a transfusion followed by chemotherapy given in a comfortable setting. The center has 19 nurses employed with chemotherapy and biotherapy certification, as well as six nurses who have oncology certification for patients.


 

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A couple living in Arizona recently filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas claiming wrongful exposure to benzene. The suit filed states that the plaintiff, Brian Foray, was wrongly exposed to the toxic chemical benzene while working for 17 years as a mechanic and maintenance worker. Twelve years after his exposure, Foray has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a sometimes fatal condition that is linked to benzene exposure.

After receiving his diagnosis, Foray and his wife, Francesca, have chosen to take action on their behalf and in the name of so many others who may have suffered as the result of employer negligence. The suit has been filed against Safety-Kleen Systems Inc., which is a corporation based out of Plano, Texas.

Benzene Details and Its Link to MDS

Benzene is a colorless liquid that has been labeled a known carcinogen since research has shown its obvious link to various cancers like leukemia and lung cancer. The chemical is often used as an additive in gasoline, soda, and is contained in cigarettes. Myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, are known as a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow. Although MDS is a somewhat rare disease, in a majority of cases it has been found to be associated with benzene exposure.

Foray says that while working for the defendant, he cleaned parts and heavy equipment with substances containing benzene. The complaint also states that Safety-Kleen manufactured and sold parts that were washed in benzene, which as a result exposed the workers to the toxin. The suit states the defendant acted with negligence and is to blame for Foray's current health condition.
 

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According to recent reports, health officials in Reading, Pennsylvania have found asbestos and benzene on a former industrial site. The toxic chemicals have become quite the controversy in the town since the Reading School District planned to build three schools on the property.

According to district officials, the plan, until the recent chemicals were exposed, was to build a 300-student elementary school on the former Luden’s Candy property. The long-term goal for the property was to build seven new schools over the next three years. The site was sold to the district by The Hershey Co. for $3.85 million in June.

Benzene Found at Site

William F. Cinfici, a board member in Reading claims that just last week the site tested positive for both benzene and asbestos. Both of these substances are known carcinogens and can be fatal to those who are exposed over time. Since the findings, the school district has terminated the sales and has been looking for other pieces of property to build the smaller, safer schools they originally set out to develop.

“The board is doing its due diligence,” says Dr. Thomas R. Chapman Jr., superintendent.
Although Chapman and the other school officials were disappointed with the tests results, they understand that building the schools would be far too risky for employees, children and the community as a whole.

Dangers of Benzene Exposure

Benzene is a commonly used chemical for the production of dyes, as an additive in gasoline and in the manufacturing of synthetic rubbers, amongst other things. When benzene is inhaled, ingested or handled it can be extremely toxic and even fatal. Various forms of cancer such as leukemia, lung cancer and MDS have been linked to benzene exposure and as a result health officials across the country are consistently testing and researching industrial sites like the one in Reading to prevent benzene emissions.
 

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As the season changes more and more Americans are turning to their fireplaces, bonfires and woodstoves to keep warm at night. And there’s no better place to spend the holidays than with your loved ones beside a fire; however, new reports have surfaced regarding the toxic chemicals that can be emitted through fires and the effect these chemicals could have on your health and the environment.

Studies have specifically focused on the air quality in the Portland metro region, which does not have a history of being pristine or healthy. According to reports from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, fourteen percent of the days in September were categorized as being moderately polluted. Reports prove that from October first and eighth, two days had moderate levels of pollution in Portland, which is 25 percent. Among the chemicals that have been found in the air is benzene, a known carcinogen linked to leukemia.

The Hazards of Wood Smoke

In order for health officials to maintain control over what is being emitted into our air, the DEQ collects information from air monitors before raw data is converted into the Air Quality Index. And experts claim, the air quality is typically the worst in the winter months.
“Temperature inversions trap cold at the surface and cases problems because so many people heat with wood,” explains Susan Drake from the Oregon DEQ Air Quality Office.

Wood smoke is of particular concern since it’s a major cause of particle pollution. Wood doesn’t completely burn in any stove or fireplace and as a result a vaporous blend of gases, including benzene, are released into the air, and potentially inhaled by humans. Particles that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter can embed deep into the lungs and often even get trapped in the bloodstream. In turn, this can cause severe coughs and in some cases develop into a type of cancer if the exposure lasts for a long period of time.

The DEQ is reportedly going to approach the Oregon Legislature in the upcoming months with bills that will include funds to help people change out older uncertified woodstoves with more clean-burning, certified woodstoves. The bills are also going to be created to better define woodstove to the public and prevent the indoor burning of trash.

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Research has proven that carcinogens like benzene can be found everywhere, from the cigarettes we smoke to the air we breathe and water we drink. Although most people are aware that their are cancer-causing substances in various items and environments, others aren't educated or able to easily recognize carcinogens in order to avoid them.

New findings suggest that there is one place that even health professionals aren't necessarily looking for carcinogens. Certain prescription drugs could potentially contain cancer-causing agents claims new research and the news couldn't bring more of a shock to both patients and doctors. The research was revealed after it was found that certain medications were causing cancer in animals.

Medications to be Cautious Of

Among the medications that are causing concern are hormone replacement therapies (HRT). Research has found that estrogen can provoke the production of uterine as well as breast cancer in patients. However, millions of women are prescribed HRT to ease symptoms associated with menopause.

Rheumatoid arthritis injections Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira and Remicade are also being heavily analyzed after they were linked to the development of lymphoma in patients. All of these medications are very expensive and are used to treated arthritis as well as Crohn's disease. However, researchers are warning doctors to ease their prescribing of the medications since lymphoma can lead to leukemia and other fatal illnesses.

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According to recent news, a lawsuit has been filed by the children of a man who was supposedly wrongly exposed to benzene while at work. The suit has been filed two years after the man's death and his children say they chose to take action in hopes that others won't have to endure the painful loss they did when their father passed away.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Texas, names Texaco and Chevron as the defendants and accuses them of maliciously exposing their workers to benzene and other cancer-causing chemicals. Benzene is a known carcinogen that has been linked to various types of fatal cancers, including leukemia. 

Benzene Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Joseph Baker Jr., who was employed for both Texaco and Chevron during his professional career. His children are serving as the plaintiffs and hope to be given compensation for their father's pain and suffering and the financial and emotional toll it has taken on their own lives.

"During his employment (Baker) used and was exposed to toxic and carcinogenic benzene and benzene-containing products," states the suit. "As a result of such exposure Joseph Baker Jr. developed lymphoma from which he died a painful and terrible death on Oct. 14, 2006."

Works Still At Leukemia Risk

The suit also claims that the defendants knew about the potential harm the benzene exposure could have on their employees but failed to do anything about it. The plaintiffs are stating that employees are still being put at risk and could develop a benzene-related illness similar to what their father did.

"The defendant failed to timely and adequately warn workers of the dangers of said chemicals. The defendant failed to take the necessary engineering, safety, industrial hygiene and other precautions and provide adequate warning and training to ensure that the deceased was not exposed to said toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, including benzene," explains the suit.

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Recent findings have proved just how at risk we are of acquiring some form of cancer these days, particularly due to all of the pollutants and chemicals in our air, food and water. Research shows that a majority of cancers are inflicted by the environment. Chemicals like benzene, which is typically used as an additive in gasoline and is used in the production of synthetic rubbers and dyes, are slowly killing us.

Among the environmental risks that are putting us most at harm at indoor and outdoor pollution and the chemicals we are unknowingly exposed to at work, that infest our foods and are used in the manufacturing of our plastics. Although some of these chemicals are more toxic than others, like benzene. none of them are beneficial. In this increasingly fast paced world full of traffic, new technology and more supplies, we as humans can be exposed on a daily basis to things we inhale, ingest and absorb on our skin without our knowledge.

Harmful Toxins All Around Us

When we inhale harmful toxins like benzene and asbestos, the effects can be extremely damaging to our hearts, lungs and nervous systems. In the short term benzene exposure can cause sneezing and watery eyes, but in the long term, this known carcinogen can cause the development of fatal illnesses like leukemia and lung cancer.

Among the items that we are in contact with daily that could cause serious health problems are:

• Air Fresheners
• Aerosol Sprays
• Dry Cleaning Fluid Fumes
• Kerosene Heaters
• Floor Tiles
• Gasoline
• Soda
• Cigarette Smoke

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 Recent reports are accusing Mac Pros of producing fumes containing toxic chemicals like the carcinogen, benzene. The reports stem from a posting left this past week on a French site catered towards Mac enthusiasts, MacBidouille.

The posting cites testing conducted at a laboratory which used multiple censors on the computers over an eight day period. The testing monitored the air emitted from the computer that was being circulated by a cooling fan. Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the posting claims to have found seven organic contaminants being released in the vapors from the computers.

The posting was commissioned by an anonymous user who says he is a researcher at France’s National Center for Scientific Research and experienced an irritation of the eyes, nose and larynx after just ten days of exposure to his Mac Pro.

Substances Found

Among the substances supposedly being emitted from the Mac Pros, aside from benzene, were propanal, isobenzofuranione and acetic acid. A majority of these chemicals are merely considered irritants. However, benzene has been found to elevate cancers like MDS in people who are exposed for a long duration of time.

Many Mac Pro owners from around the world have reportedly filed complaints about strong odors being released from their computers. In some cases, consumers have even reported having headaches and experiencing nausea.

Apple has not addressed the posting or the complaints being filed by customers who recently bought the computer. However, some users claim that after posting complaints on support forums AppleCare technicians have replaced certain components of the computer, which has seemed to take care of some of the problems. 

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