What is Benzene?
Many people are unfamiliar with the risks of benzene exposure until it is too late. Before they know it, they have fallen victim to one of the cancers or diseases associated with this chemical. In fact, most individuals aren’t even aware of what this chemical is or just how much they’ve been exposed to it in their everyday lives. Known as a hydrocarbon liquid used as an effective solvent, benzene is utilized in the manufacturing of other chemicals and plastics. It is a natural constituent of crude oil and is usually synthesized from compounds that exist in the oil.
Several different industries make use of benzene for creating other chemicals, including styrene to make plastics, cumene to make resins, and cyclohexane to make nylon and other synthetic fibers. Other uses of benzene include manufacturing certain kinds of rubber, lubricants, detergents, dyes, pesticides, and even some types of drugs.
Who is Commonly Affected by Benzene Exposure?
Unfortunately, toxic exposure to benzene can result in serious health hazards for those who are in close proximity to it for a length of time. Workers in the various industries that produce or even simply use benzene often carry a high risk of toxic benzene exposure. These high-risk professions include those in the production of benzene (e.b. Petrochemicals, petroleum refining, and coke and coal chemical manufacturing), the manufacturing of tires, the printing industry, and the storage or transport of benzene or petroleum products that contain the chemical. Perhaps even more frightening for the average citizen is the fact that those who merely live near oil refineries, chemical plants, toxic waste dumps, or underground storage tanks may also be at risk for benzene exposure.
The National Cancer Institute and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine conducted another long-term study. This study comprised more than 74,000 workers at 672 factories in 12 different cities; with evidence showing elevated risks of blood diseases at even low levels of benzene exposure. There is a lengthy record of benzene being controlled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Diseases Linked to Benzene Exposure
Several human studies have been conducted, which demonstrate evidence linking benzene to the development of certain cancers. Evidence initially demonstrated higher risks of developing leukemia, especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML), for workers exposed to significant levels of benzene in the oil refining, chemical and shoemaking industries. Additionally, long term studies carried out at three Ohio plants making rubber sheeting showed epidemiological evidence that benzene did indeed cause cancer.
The diseases typically associated with benzene exposure include:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Myelofibrosis/Myeloid Metaplasia
- Myelodysplasia
- Aplastic Anemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Hematologic Cancer
Benzene Litigation
Virgil Hood v. E.I. DuPont De Nemours, NO. DC-13-03619-H
A painter in Texas was recently awarded approximately $8 million after battling leukemia caused by his constant exposure to significantly high levels of benzene in the paint he used.
Virgil Hood used paint that was manufactured by DuPont De Nemours, one of the largest chemical product manufacturers in the country. He had been a painter for Timpte Trailers, a company that builds semi-trailers for over 20 years.
The 60-year-old was initially diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2012 after a routine physical examination done by his primary care physician. Since then, Hood has undergone various chemotherapy treatments and bone marrow transplants, resulting in debilitating complications such as temporary blindness and several fits of pneumonia. It wasn’t long until Hood – a man known for being large in stature – had dropped to a weight of 110 pounds.
Within the duration of Hood’s two-week trial, his condition had worsened to the point that he developed another ailment called graft-versus-host disease. It occurs when the body and new bone marrow are literally attacking each other. This long laundry list of conditions and complications has forced him to retire.
In court, it was proven that DuPont had negligently refused to take high levels of benzene out of their products, they also didn’t warn their workers. Hood’s lawyer, Peter Kraus explained where the company went wrong.
However, DuPont had been informed that the chemical causes bone marrow disease since 1954. They were also notified about benzene and its association to leukemia by the late 1960s.
The jury ultimately awarded Hood a total of $8,243,234, which consisted of $6,743,234 in compensatory damages and $1.5 million in punitive damages against DuPont. The manufacturer was ordered to pay 80% of the compensatory award and Hood’s former employer, Timpte, was ordered to pay the remainder. Hood’s lawyer Peter Kraus expressed the importance of holding these mass companies accountable.
“What is most gratifying to us about this verdict is the impact it will have not just for the Hood family, but for the thousands of other families in America affected by benzene related MDS/AML,” Kraus said. “For decades, the manufacturers of benzene-contaminated products have attempted to deny their accountability for injuring hard-working Americans.” he added, they “care deeply about living in a world that is safe for themselves, their families and their neighbor’s.
Disclaimer: Similar case circumstances are not guaranteed to receive these same results. Most court cases, especially involving benzene are extremely individualized.
Experienced Benzene Attorneys
These various health risks associated with benzene exposure can lead to the physical and financial suffering of innocent victims through no fault of their own. Fortunately, personal injury law typically provides these victims the right to seek financial restitution in a civil court of law. The right benzene exposure attorney can make all the difference in the success of such a toxic tort lawsuit, and help ensure that all parties who have caused an individual’s exposure to this dangerous chemical are held responsible. Attorneys at the Dysart Law Firm are dedicated to winning you the proper compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to high levels of benzene, contact us today for a free consultation.