Benzene is a known carcinogen, which means it can cause specific types of cancer. Workers exposed to significant quantities of benzene are at risk for certain illnesses and may be eligible for compensation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), benzene ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. In addition, exposure to benzene can occur on many levels. Unfortunately, far too many employers do not follow the proper safety procedures to protect their employees from benzene and other harmful substances. If you or a loved one is suffering from illness after benzene exposure, contact The Carlson Law Firm. We have an expert benzene lawyer who is ready to evaluate your case.
Benzene is a colorless sweet-smelling liquid used to cut grease and dissolve rust. It is a highly flammable liquid commonly used in maintenance and repair work in the home, as well as commercial and industrial environments. Benzene evaporates quickly when exposed to air—making it easy to inhale. Although benzene occurs naturally in volcanoes and forest fires, most human exposure comes from human activities through working with the chemical. Work involving plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides puts employees at risk of inhaling the chemical. Benzene is among the most commonly used chemicals in the United States. In fact, the chemical is so common that it ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume.
What Products Contain Benzene?
In addition to workplace exposure, benzene is contained in several household products. Those products include the following:
- Cleaners
- Detergents
- Dyes
- Fats
- Glues
- Gums
- Inks
- Lubricants
- Motor fuels
- Nylon and synthetic fibers
- Paints
- Pesticides
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Solvents
- Waxes
Benzene also occurs naturally in crude oil, gasoline, and vehicle exhaust. Because of this, workers in the oil industry are at increased risks of inhaling the substance. If you worked in the oil or refinery industry and have now developed a benzene-related illness, contact The Carlson Law Firm to speak with a qualified benzene lawyer today.
HOW DOES BENZENE AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT?
Industrial processes are the main source of benzene in the environment. The toxic substance can pass into the air from water and soil. In addition, benzene can attach to rain or snow which then carries the toxic substance back to the ground, creating a cycle. Although the chemical is easily broken down in the air by other chemicals, it is a much slower process in soil. The substance can then pass from the soil into underground water resources.
WHAT EFFECT DOES BENZENE HAVE ON THE BODY?
Benzene causes cells in the body not to work properly. For example, it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells. In some cases, this can lead to anemia. Additionally, it changes the way the body’s immune system produces blood levels of antibodies, causing the loss of white blood cells. These effects damage the immune system and increase your chance of getting an infection. Benzene may reduce the platelet count in your blood, which leads to excessive bleeding. The seriousness of poisoning caused by benzene depends on the amount, route, and length of time of exposure.
Immediate Signs and Symptoms of Benzene Exposure
Breathing in high levels of benzene may lead to the following signs and symptoms within several minutes to several hours:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Death
Eating foods or drinking beverages containing high levels of benzene can cause the following symptoms within minutes to several hours:
- Vomiting
- Irritation of the stomach
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Convulsion
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Death
If a person vomits because of swallowing foods or beverages containing benzene, the vomit could be sucked into the lungs and cause breathing problems and coughing. In addition, when the eyes are exposed to benzene, it can lead to tissue injury and irritation. Benzene exposure is a very serious matter. If you or a loved one is living with an illness from benzene exposure in the workplace, contact a benzene lawyer immediately. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO BENZENE
Benzene exposure over long periods of time (a year or more) has major effects on the blood. Long-term exposure to this toxic chemical can cause very serious illnesses and may eventually lead to death. Illnesses linked to long-term benzene exposure include the following:
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML, almost exclusively caused by benzene exposure)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Myelodyplasia
- Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
If you or a loved one is suffering from benzene caused illness from long-term exposure, contact The Carlson Law Firm. We have a qualified benzene lawyer who can help you navigate the complex legal system. You do not have to face the mounting medical bills and other damages alone. Our firm can help you get the recovery you deserve.
HOW BENZENE EXPOSURE CAN LEAD TO CANCER
Although benzene is known to cause multiple adverse health effects, benzene exposure is most associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This is because rates of leukemia, particularly AML, are found in higher levels in workers exposed to high levels of benzene. For example, those who work in a shoe or chemical factories, as well as oil refineries are at increased risks of developing leukemia.
Benzene primarily affects the blood in those with long-term exposure. Leukemia is a malignant progressive disease in which the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce increased numbers of immature or abnormal leukocytes. Further, the suppression of creating new, normal blood cells leads to anemia and other symptoms.
Because of its link to leukemia, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) designated benzene as a carcinogen. This is based on sufficient evidence linking the chemical with multiple types of leukemia. In addition, several U.S. agencies have linked benzene exposure to leukemia and classified the substance as a carcinogen.
WHERE DOES BENZENE EXPOSURE OCCUR?
Benzene is a naturally occurring chemical that can be found outdoors in low levels from tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions. Workers in industries that make or use benzene may be exposed to this chemical. These include the following:
- Rubber industry
- Oil refineries
- Chemical Plants
- Shoe Manufacturers
- Gasoline-related industries
- Maritime employees
Other people who risk workplace exposure to benzene include steel workers, printers, lab technicians, gas station employees, and firefighters. Federal regulations limit exposure to benzene in the workplace.
Can Benzene Affect Children?
Yes. Benzene exposure affects children in the same way as adults. However, the research is unclear if children are more susceptible to benzene poisoning than adults. In addition, children are also at risk of been exposure while in utero. The chemical can pass from the mother’s blood to the fetus. If your child is suffering from benzene exposure, contact a qualified benzene lawyer ASAP.
Limiting Benzene Exposure in the Workplace
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits the amount of airborne benzene exposure for employees 1 part per million (1 ppm) for an 8-hour workday. On the other hand, the maximum exposure for short-term limits 5 ppm for any 15-minute period.
OSHA also requires employees to wear protective clothing and equipment when handling the substance. Respirators are required for those workplaces where “engineering controls are not feasible to reduce exposure to the permissible level.” Respiratory equipment requires the approval of both the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH). Further, depending on which comes first, cartridges and canisters must be replaced after every shift change or at the end of their lifespan. Coupled with proper protection, your employer must also properly train you on the proper use of your assigned respirator.
In addition to the proper safety equipment and training, your employer must provide you with the proper protective clothing. For example, boots, gloves, sleeves and aprons are necessary to limit your skin’s exposure to the chemical. Similarly, your employer should you provide with protective, splash proof eyewear or safety goggles.
If your employer failed to implement safety measures to protect you from maritime toxic chemical exposure, contact The Carlson Law Firm ASAP.
KIRBY CORPORATION
Kirby Corporation is a Texas-based maritime company. It is the largest tank barge operator in the United States. The company is responsible for transporting bulk liquid products throughout U.S. coasts, Alaska and Hawaii, and the Mississippi River System. Further, the company’s service area spans America’s inland waterway network. The company transports the following items:
- Petrochemicals
- Black oil
- Refined petroleum products
- Agricultural chemical products
In addition, the company operates eight ships that transport dry-bulk commodities in the U.S. coast trade. The company also operates several subsidiary businesses.
Employee exposure to chemicals
According to its website, Kirby Corp has approximately 5,650 employees. In addition, the company operates 1,003 active inland tank barges and 285 active towing vessels. On its barges, the company tows the following petrochemicals:
Kirby Corp has a history of failing to provide adequate protective equipment for its employees. Because benzene is toxic even at very low concentrations, employees should be protected at all costs. Since the late 1990s, the company has faced various Hodgkin’s lymphoma lawsuits.
Anyone who works on a ship is at risk for benzene exposure. But there are some positions on barges that at a higher risk for exposure and developing cancer. For example, those who are responsible for the following duties are the most risk:
- Repairing leaks
- Oil spills
- Pumping unit repairs
- Priming pumps
- Gauging oil tanks
Kirby Corp Cancer Lawsuits
Past lawsuits against the company report acute exposure to benzene, as well as smelling various chemicals and vapors on the barges while doing their jobs.
As the largest barge company in the country, Kirby Corp has the money and has faced enough cancer lawsuits to know the weaknesses in your case. They will use this experience against you. The company will point out everything from your smoking history to any failures to report acute exposure, as well as your history with your protective equipment and benzene physicals. Because of this, it’s important that you seek qualified and experienced representation if you were diagnosed with cancer after benzene exposure.
