Benzene Information Center
Frequently Asked Questions about Benzene
Q: What is benzene?
A: Since the 1800s, benzene, a clear, colorless and nearly odorless solvent, has been used in many industries to make dyes, lubricants and numerous other products. Benzene is a natural byproduct when wood burns, such as during forest fires or volcano eruptions. Most people are exposed to benzene in the air, from cigarette smoke or car exhaust. Benzene is a closely regulated, widely used chemical, classified as a carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent.
Q: What are the symptoms of overexposure to benzene?
A: Some symptoms of short-term benzene exposure may include shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness and unconsciousness. You may naturally inhale benzene, consume it through food or water or have skin/dermal exposure to benzene. Alternatively, longer-term exposure to benzene affects the production of new blood cells, which may be stopped or dramatically reduced because of the exposure. Long-term exposure may lead to leukemia or lymphomas.
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Benzene exposure, even in small amounts, can seriously affect your health. If you have questions about benzene exposure, please contact your doctor, and a personal injury attorney for straightforward solutions that will work for you.
Saville, Evola & Flint, L.L.C.
Nationwide Benzene Leukemia Attorneys
At Saville, Evola & Flint, we listen, talk openly and respect our clients as individual human beings in a time of trouble and need. We do not have a "system" that you and your case will be plugged into. We know how to trace a specific benzene-related illness back in time to its root cause and how to combine that information with its real impact on your life to make a compelling case in front of judges, juries, opposing counsel, or whomever else it takes to achieve a just result.
For a broad overview of benzene-related medical conditions and the law, please read the following articles. To get answers to other questions or to speak with an attorney about a potential claim, please contact us directly.
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Benzene - An Overview
Benzene is a clear, colorless and practically odorless solvent that has been used since the 1800s in many industries. Generally, benzene is used to make dyes, solvents, lubricants and other common products. Additionally, benzene is a natural byproduct when wood is burned, such as during forest fires or volcano eruptions. Most people are exposed to very low levels of benzene in the air from cigarette smoke or car exhaust. Benzene is highly regulated, but widely used in many industrial applications, including as an additive in gasoline. Large quantities of benzene are produced each year in the United States. The majority of benzene is utilized as a component of gasoline, in a concentration of less than one percent. Benzene is an important additive in unleaded fuels because it aids in the elimination of engine knocking.
Benzene has been classified as a cancer-causing agent. Exposure to benzene, even in small amounts, can be dangerous to health. When absorbed through the skin, ingested or inhaled it may cause serious illness. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are all linked to benzene exposure. In fact, more than 17 diseases are linked to benzene exposure. If you or a loved one may have been exposed to dangerous amounts of benzene, contact an experienced personal injury attorney from Saville, Evola & Flint, L.L.C in Alton, Illinois, who can discuss your legal rights and options.
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What is Benzene?
Benzene is an organic chemical that is colorless, volatile and highly flammable. It is a liquid, but evaporates quickly in air or water, so may be found in liquid or vapor form. Benzene may be manufactured or created naturally. Naturally occurring benzene is found in forest fires, volcanic eruptions, oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. It is used in many common products, such as rubber, plastic, gasoline, paints, detergent, dyes and other chemicals. Since it is a prevalent chemical in our environment, people come into contact with low levels of benzene every day. Benzene even occurs naturally in some foods and beverages. These daily levels are generally harmless. Health problems can develop when individuals come into contact with high levels of benzene.
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How Can Benzene Affect my Health?
People may come into contact with benzene every day. Common benzene exposure is due to tobacco smoke or fumes at automobile service stations. Benzene is often inhaled, but it also evaporates quickly into the air and can easily enter the drinking water supply. Since benzene dissolves easily in water, it is very important to have your drinking water tested if there is clear risk of contamination. Old underground gasoline storage tanks may slowly leak gasoline and leach into the water table. If you have been exposed to benzene due to inhalation or due to contaminated ground water, you may have negative health effect. Low levels of benzene inhalation can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion and unconsciousness. Eating foods or drinking water with high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions and rapid heart rate. Breathing or ingesting very high levels of benzene can also result in death.
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How to Protect Yourself from Benzene Exposure
It is true that benzene is commonly found within our environment. You may not be able to avoid exposure to benzene completely, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of high levels of exposure and lessen the likelihood of developing a benzene related illness. Even in situations where contact with benzene is part of your job, you can take precautions to protect yourself from ill effects.
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Diseases Associated with Benzene Exposure
Exposure to benzene may have many negative effects on your body. In fact, more than seventeen diseases have been linked to high levels of benzene.
If you have been diagnosed with a disease that you feel may be linked to benzene exposure, contact an attorney knowledgeable in benzene injuries to
discuss your claim.
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Benzene Resource Links
US Environmental Protection Agency
EPA's Integrated Risk Information System site contains information on benzene. Information includes chemical substance assessment, background information, methods of exposure and possible injuries caused by exposure.
American Cancer Society
The Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to helping to prevent cancer, save lives and reduce suffering from cancer. This Web site includes information on types of cancer, including those that may be caused by benzene exposure, statistics and message boards for support from other cancer patients and loved ones.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NIOSH is a section of the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that contains information on chemicals commonly used in the workplace. This Web site includes benzene specific information, as well as links to other online sites containing additional information.
International Myeloma Foundation
The International Myeloma Foundation Web site provides information about multiple myeloma, including research and treatment advances, information about the foundation, upcoming events and its research, support and advocacy programs.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Department of Heath and Human Services Web site that contains frequently asked questions related to benzene exposure, information on toxic substances, nationwide toxicological profiles, agency events and community projects.
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