Benzene Lawsuits: Occupational Exposure | PersonalInjuryLawyer.com

The industrial age ushered in a more productive, affluent, and prolific society, but it introduced the use of many new materials that later turned out to have dangerous side effects, such as benzene. This colorless or yellow liquid is used in the production of many modern materials such as plastic and detergents, and even gasoline. In recent years, it has been learned that benzene is a carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent, however, which has caused manufacturers to find substitutes. In the meantime, however, many individuals who have been exposed to benzene and fallen ill have been able to file claims for compensation for their r expenses and suffering as a result.

Dangers of Benzene

Benzene can be released into the air when safety protocols are not adequately practiced for its use in industry. In addition, lower levels of exposure can occur from tobacco emissions, gasoline stations, waste sites, and through other industrial emissions. Indoors, exposure may occur because of paints, furniture wax, detergents, and glues. There is also some concern that low levels of benzene can be found in soft drinks containing benzoate salts, as well as vitamin C. Studies do not confirm that there is a safety threat for benzene in soft drinks, but the FDA is monitoring the situation.

After exposure to benzene, victims may experience a wide range of symptoms:

Headaches

Dizziness

Tremors

Confusion

Drowsiness

Irregular or rapid heartbeat

Unconsciousness

Death

After ingesting benzene through beverages or food with high concentrations of benzene, additional symptoms may appear within a few minutes or hours, such as vomiting, stomach irritation, or convulsions.

For those who have extended exposure to high levels of benzene, often in a work environment, conditions that are more serious may result:

Blood disorders

Anemia

Infertility in women

Excessive bleeding

Damage to the immune system

Leukemia

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Product Liability

Anyone who has experienced any of these symptoms or diseases because of exposure to benzene has the right to seek compensation though a product liability claim. However, while it is vital to seek medical attention first and quickly, it may be necessary to have a breath, blood, or urine test immediately. Those are the best options to determine the existence of benzene in the body, because the effects wear off quickly.

Getting Legal Help with Toxic Mold Health Problems

It is important for anyone who works in any of the industries associated with benzene to monitor their condition carefully. While safety protocols are generally in place in these companies, and government regulates the allowable levels of benzene, accidents, and errors to occur. If any such employee experiences any of the symptoms associated with benzene exposure, they should seek medical help, and then contact a product liability attorney who has handled benzene cases before to determine if they have grounds to sue their employer or some other entity for unsafe exposure to benzene.

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