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1-877-LA-BENZENE  |  3340 Severn Ave., Ste. 205, Metairie, LA 70002

Benzene Exposure

How might I be Exposed to Benzene?

Benzene Inhalation of Outdoor Air

contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions.

Benzene Inhalation of Indoor Air

generally contains higher levels of benzene from products that contain it such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.

Benzene Inhalation around Hazardous Waste Sites Air 

around hazardous waste sites or gas stations will contain higher levels of benzene.

Benzene Poisoning of Well Water Leakage from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing benzene can result in benzene contamination of well water.

Work-related Benzene Poisoning Workers

 who refine benzene or are involved in its distribution and workers exposed to gasoline and low-boiling solvents are typically exposed to the

Benzene Exposure

  • Painting

  • Gasoline

  • Gas Station Attendants

  • Printing

  • Gluing Leather (shoes)

  • Petrochemical Plants

  • Rubber Transportation

  • Petroleum Refining

  • Organic Solvents

General Exposure to Benzene

  • Household Solvents Automobiles Auto Exhaust Storage Sites

  • Hazardous Waste Sites Industrial Facilities Smoking

  • Marking

  • Pens

  • Paints

  • Tapes

  • Food

Benzene Risks

Who is at Risk for Benzene Exposure?

Workers in multiple industries that make or use benzene may be at risk for being exposed to high levels of this carcinogenic chemical. Hazardous jobs that involve the use of benzene include the rubber industry, pesticides production, detergent production, solvent production, paint and varnish production, waste management, oil refineries, chemical plants, shoe manufacturers, and petroleum processing industries.

In 1987, OSHA estimated that about 237,000 workers in the United States were potentially exposed to benzene; it is not known if this number has substantially changed since then. Many people have suffered the painful, uncomfortable, and undesirable effects of Benzene exposure, and some have even lost their lives through exposure to this chemical. Lawsuits have already been filed by many of those affected by Benzene exposure, and some by the relations of those that have died due to their exposure to Benzene. There are many law firms that advertise for benzene-leukemia cases, but they don't actually litigate them; they actually refer the cases to the Williams Law Office, LLC because they have no experience litigating such cases and don't know how to litigate them.

If you have suffered from the effects of Benzene, or if a loved one has died through exposure to Benzene, you should contact an experience toxic tort attorney at the earliest possible opportunity. An experienced Benzene lawyer such as the attorneys here at the Williams law office, LLC can increase your chances of getting rightfully compensated for harm or injury caused through Benzene exposure. You could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, loss of earnings, pain, suffering or wrongful death. A trained and experienced Benzene lawyer can quickly determine the potential viability and success of a claim based around your specific circumstances, including workers compensation and litigation against the hazardous chemical manufacturers. Even if you are not certain as to whether you have a case, it is well worth seeking advice from an experienced lawyer who truly understands Benzene litigation. Also remember, by taking advantage of our free case review, it will not cost you anything to find out more about your legal rights.

Diseases Caused From Benzene

Aplastic Anemia

Also called bone marrow aplasia, aplastic anemia causes your bone marrow's production of blood cells to decrease. This causes a gradual or sudden reduction in the number of blood cells in your bloodstream. The bone marrow in your body is in essence a blood cell factory. Continuous production of blood cells is necessary because each cell once it leaves the bone marrow and enters the bloodstream has a short life span. Red blood cells last 120 days, platelets last 6 days and white blood cells last one day or less. The main risks associated with aplastic anemia are infection and bleeding, both of which may be severe enough to threaten your life.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are clonal diseases of stem cells characterized by single or multilinease cytopenia and various bone marrow abnormalities. Up to 35% of MDS patients progress of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) within a few months of initial diagnosis and the MDS has sometimes been characterized as a preleukemic condition or simply "preleukemia."

Multiple Myeloma

In general, causal associations for multiple myeloma have been reported in workers exposed to petrochemicals, especially those occupationally exposed to benzene, a known human carcinogen and leukemogen. In addition to chemical workers, elevated risks of multiple myeloma have been reported among farmers and others engaged in agricultural operations, metal workers, rubber manufacturing workers and painters. All of these occupations entail exposure to such benzene-containing products, i.e., gasoline or organic solvents. The epidemiologic literature shows that benzene is the chemical most strongly associated with multiple myeloma.

Multiple Myeloma Symptoms

Also known as Kahler's disease, multiple myeloma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is a cancer of the plasma cells. These cells cause destruction of bone, resulting in bone pain, hypercalcemia, compression, fractures, spinal cord compression, hemiparesis, and paraplegia. The disease is treatable, but essentially incurable. Virtually all patients with multiple myeloma succumb to their malignancy.

Multiple myeloma is a disease of old age. The median age at diagnosis is 72. Mortality rates have been rising since the 1950s. The increase in the incidence of multiple myeloma was among the highest for any cancer during this period. Approximately 12,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer of the blood. There are many types of leukemia. However, AML is the type of leukemia that is most strongly associated with benzene exposure. While some experts dispute that benzene causes certain types of leukemia, all medical and scientific experts agree that benzene causes AML. If you have been diagnosed with AML and have an occupational history of exposure to solvents or fuels, your leukemia may well have been caused by benzene.

M0 - AML without differentiation

M1 - AML with Minimal Maturation

M2 - AML with Maturation

M3 - Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

M4 - Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia

M5 - Acute Monocytic Leukemia

M6 - Acute Erythroid Leukemia

M7 - Acute Megakaryocytic Leukemia

If you have had occupational or other exposure to benzene and you develop any of the seven types of AML, or if a loved one had benzene exposure and died from one of the seven types of AML, you may have a case.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been reported in workers exposed to pure benzene and benzene containing chemicals such as gasoline, crude oil, toluene, naphtha, xylene and other solvents. The epidemiologic literature shows that benzene is the chemical most strongly associated with CLL. CLL is a form of leukemia that starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow but then go into the blood.

Acute Lymphocytic (or Lymphoblastic) Leukemia (ALL)

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia and has been reported in workers exposed to pure benzene and benzene containing chemicals such as gasoline, crude oil, toluene, naphtha, xylene and other solvents. The epidemiologic literature shows that benzene is the chemical most strongly associated with ALL. ALL is a form of leukemia that starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow but then go into the blood quickly. These cells spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

Chronic Myeloid (or Myelogenous) Leukemia (CML)

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is also called chronic myelogenous leukemia. CML is a type of cancer that starts in certain cells of the bone marrow. The leukemia cells grow and divide in the bone marrow and spread into the blood. CML is a slow growing leukemia, but it can also change into a fast-growing acute leukemia. CML has been reported in workers exposed to pure benzene and benzene containing chemicals such as gasoline, crude oil, toluene, naphtha, xylene and other solvents. The epidemiologic literature shows that benzene is the chemical most strongly associated with CML

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), also referred to, as just lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. Lymphocytes are in the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues including the spleen and bone marrow. NHL has been reported in workers exposed to pure benzene and benzene containing chemicals such as gasoline, crude oil, toluene, naphtha, xylene and other solvents. The epidemiologic literature shows that benzene is the chemical most strongly associated with NHL.

Childhood Leukemia

Leukemia can be acute (fast growing) or chronic (slow growing). Almost all childhood leukemias are acute. Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL) accounts for 3 out of 4 childhood leukemias. This leukemia starts from early forms of lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) accounts for most of the remaining cases of childhood leukemias. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are rare in children. Childhood leukemia has been reported in children exposed to benzene containing chemicals such as gasoline, crude oil, toluene, naphtha, xylene, other solvents, pesticides and insecticides. The epidemiologic literature shows that benzene is the chemical most strongly associated with childhood leukemias. Children exposed to household chemicals such as gasoline, pesticides, and insecticides or that live near gas stations, refineries, chemical plants or other industrial locations have shown an increase in childhood leukemias.

Benzene Exposure

How might I be Exposed to Benzene?

Liquid Wrench

Rust-Ban 392

Sunoco Household Oil

3-In-One Electric Motor Oil

3-In-One Household Oil

Gardner Blacktop Driveway Sealer

Gardner EZ STIR Filler Sealer

Parks Furniture Refinisher

Parks Adhesive Remover

Parks Mineral Spirits Paint Thinner

Parks Lacquer Thinner

Parks Brush Cleaner

Parks PRO liquid Paint Stripper

Parks liquid Strip

Parks Lacquer Thinner 6/13/97

Parks Adhesive Remover 9/4/98

Parks liquid Deglosser 9/4/98

Gumoutregane Premium Gas Treatment

Gumoutxtra 1 Tank Carb Cleaner

Gumouttune Up Spray

Gumoutcarb/Fuel Injector Cleaner (Aerosol)

Gumoutcarb/Fuel Injector Cleaner (liquid)

Gumoutdiesel Fuel System Cleaner

Gumoutcold Weather Diesel Treatment

Gumoutliquid Intake Cleaner

Classic Aerosol Wax

Champion Carb. Cleaner

Champion Flush Off Degreaser

Champion Brake Cleaner

Champion Cold Galvanize

Champion Galv Off

Champion CS+

Champion N/F 4 Way Penetrating Oil

Champion Stainless Steel Cleaner

Champion X It Out Vandal Mark Remover

Champion Super Lubricant

Champion Spray Paint

Champion Flying Insect Killer

Champion Fire Ant Killer

Champion Multi Insect/lice Killer

Champion Indoor Insect Fogger

Champion Ant & Roach

Champion Metered Insecticide

Bonide Grass, Weed & Vegetation Killer

Ortho Weed-B-Gone

Staffel's Screwwork Compound-U.S.

Formula M 62 Insecticide

Dr. Rogers Screw Worm Smear Formula No. 62

Martin's Formula No. 62 Screw Work Smear for Horses and Mules

Thoroseal Redi Mix Paint

Naptha

VM & P Naptha

Benzene in Toluene Products

Ethylbenzene

Toluene

Toluene + Xylene

Xylene

Benzene in Organic Solvents

Butadiene

Butene

Cumene

Cyclohexanol

Cyclohexanol C

Dichloropentadiene

Isoprene

Monochlorobenzene

Piperylene

Hexane

Hexane C

How might I be Exposed to Benzene?

Calibrating Fluid

Charcoal lighter Fluid

Contact cements

C9 Aromatics

Dicyclopentadiene

Elastomeric Adhesives

Ethylbenzene

Hexane

Hydraulic Fluds

Kerosene

Ink Markers

Lacquer Thinner

Lantern Fuel & Gas Stove

Leather Black and Stain

liquid Polish

liquid Wrench

Mineral Spirits

140* Flash Aliphatic

140* Flash Aliphatic: Solvent

Asphalts

Paste Polish

Rubber Cement

Rubber Solvent

Shell DAN

Shell Rubber solvent

Shell Sol Bj-77BG

Shell Sol BJ-19EG

Spray Lubricant

Slop Oil

Solvasol

Solvasol 2

Stoddard Solvent

Trimethybenzene

Unland screen developer

Varnish Makers

Vinyl Thinner

VM & P napthol

Coke Ovens

Benzene Product Identification Assistance
If you are interested in identifying a benzene containing product for a potential benzene lawsuit, our attorneys can help. Please contact us for assistance.

Benzene Exposure

How might I be Exposed to Benzene?

Benzene Inhalation of Outdoor Air

contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, automobile service stations, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial emissions.

Benzene Inhalation of Indoor Air

generally contains higher levels of benzene from products that contain it such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.

Benzene Inhalation around Hazardous Waste Sites Air 

around hazardous waste sites or gas stations will contain higher levels of benzene.

Benzene Poisoning of Well Water Leakage from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing benzene can result in benzene contamination of well water.

Work-related Benzene Poisoning Workers

 who refine benzene or are involved in its distribution and workers exposed to gasoline and low-boiling solvents are typically exposed to the

Benzene Exposure

  • Painting

  • Gasoline

  • Gas Station Attendants

  • Printing

  • Gluing Leather (shoes)

  • Petrochemical Plants

  • Rubber Transportation

  • Petroleum Refining

  • Organic Solvents

General Exposure to Benzene

  • Household Solvents Automobiles Auto Exhaust Storage Sites

  • Hazardous Waste Sites Industrial Facilities Smoking

  • Marking

  • Pens

  • Paints

  • Tapes

  • Food

We are looking forward to hear from you

You are always welcome to contact us if you have questions or want a non-committal meeting.

  • Why should you hire the Williams Law Office, LLC?"
    The Williams Law Office has more then 22 years of experience in handling asbestos, benzene and other toxic exposure cases.
  • How long does it take to litigate an asbestos mesothelioma or benzene blood cancer case?
    In Louisiana you can get an expedited trial if you are over 70 years of age and/or have a terminal disease that the individual with the cancer will likely not survive 6 months.
  • What causes mesothelioma?
    Asbestos. Asbestos is present in many products and found in many occupational settings. You need a law firm that knows how to determine if you were exposed.
  • Why chose a local Louisiana law firm?
    Many firms from out of state advertise and handle these cases in Louisiana but are not from Louisiana and quite often you never meet or work with the attorney from out of state. Consequently, the case may take much longer to settle or go to trial.
  • What is the cost?
    We do not charge you unless we recover. The fee is based on a contingency fee.
  • What causes blood cancers including leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome?"
    Benzene which is contained in petroleum products. Benzene is found in many products and you need a law firm that knows how to determine if you were exposed.
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