Besides causing harmful impacts on the bone marrow, benzene exposure can adversely affect the respiratory tract and mucus membranes. As a known carcinogen, this chemical agent is also associated with aplastic anemia and leukemia, among other severe or life-threatening side effects.
Severe Implications of Benzene Exposure
Adverse effects of the chemical substance depend on the level of exposure, and the duration one is exposed to the harmful chemical. In the short term, benzene can irritate the respiratory tract as well as the eyes, skin, and mucus membranes. Other health concerns include drowsiness, irregular heart rhythm, and loss of consciousness. Because of its carcinogenic nature, prolonged exposure to the harmful chemical can cause life-threatening health conditions such as variations in bone marrow production. Changes in the production of red blood cells can cause anemia and several types of blood cancers like aplastic anemia and other forms of leukemia.
Prevalent Causes of Benzene Exposure
Acute exposure to benzene mostly occurs among industrial site workers involved in the production of petrochemicals, oil, and gas refining. It’s also an occupational hazard for individuals associated with rubber tire manufacturing, storage or transit of benzene-based petroleum products, and coal chemical manufacturing. Workers exposed to substantial quantities of benzene in their places of work are at considerable risk, and some of these incidents are eligible for compensation. Seeking the assistance of an attorney is instrumental in helping an individual build a strong case.
Benzene Products
Other than being a natural constituent of crude oil and gasoline, benzene is also a byproduct of cigarette smoke. This substance also ranks among the most typically used chemicals in the United States in items including plastics, resins, nylon, synthetic fibers, detergents, drugs, pesticides, rubbers, and dyes. Outdoor exposure risks include tobacco smoke, odors from gas stations, automobile exhaust, and industrial emissions. Domestic sources mainly involve defective products like glue, paint, furniture wax or polish, and detergents. Hazardous waste sites also frequently have considerably high concentrations of benzene, and—from these sites—benzene can percolate into the soil and result in well water contamination. Another primary risk includes leakage from underground benzene holding tanks into the surrounding soil.
Due to several statute limitations to instituting claims of this nature, an individual should contact an attorney at the earliest possible moment if they want to seek legal redress after benzene exposure. At D’Amico Law Offices, LLC, we offer no-cost consultations so that you can ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today to learn more.