Benzene Lawyer - Exposure to Benzene

Exposure To Benzene

Workplace exposure to benzene has steadily increased in correlation with the chemical's increased use and production. During 1967, there were about 800 million gallons of benzene produced in the U.S., and by 1969, the amount of benzene increased to 1.2 billion gallons with approximately 16% of the productions derived from coal. Workers employed in industries that frequently use or make benzene—such as oil refineries, chemical plants, shoe or rubber manufacturers, and gasoline companies—face the greatest risk of high levels of benzene exposure. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that occupational benzene exposure is responsible for thousands of cancer deaths worldwide every year.

Benzene has been known to cause acute myelogenous leukemia and other forms of blood cancers and diseases. Businesses have known for years the dangers of the hazardous chemical but still allowed workers to be exposed to the carcinogen. Studies as early as the 1920s found a link between exposure to benzene and leukemia.

Benzene Health Hazard Information

N.J. Discovers Daycare Benzene Dangers
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has discovered groundwater contaminated with benzene, and other hazardous chemicals near 60 daycare centers around the state.

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Firefighters Suspect Benzene Contamination
Massachusetts firefighters are concerned that a building used as their station for nearly 13 years is contaminated with benzene and various other toxic substances. Over the last two decades, 15 firefighters who worked at the building have died of cancer.

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Abandoned Industrial Dump Site May Pose Benzene Risk
An old industrial site where large volumes of dangerous chemicals, including benzene and butanone, were dumped near a school, a stream, and many houses, may pose serious health risks to residents and school children.

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Residents Demand Old Oil Spill Investigation
A rare bone cancer occurs with alarming frequency near the site of a 1950’s oil spill, and local residents demand a comprehensive health study.

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May 8, 2008
ExxonMobil Provides Payouts

Reports claim that ExxonMobil has agreed to expand its offer of financial assistance to more people.

The oil company is providing assistance to residents living in Torrance, CA, who have been affected by the benzene contaminated surrounding their homes.

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More Benzene Exposure News...

Benzene and the Environment
Gasoline emissions are the predominant source of benzene emissions, but benzene in the environment also comes from burning fields and forests.
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History of Benzene
In 1967, just about 800 million gallons of benzene was produced in the U.S., and by 1969, it had increased to 1.2 billion gallons with about 16% of the production coming from coal.
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Workplace Benzene Exposure Limits

OSHA - The legal airborne permissible exposure limit is 1 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 5 ppm not to be exceeded during any 15-minute work period.

NIOSH - The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift and 1 ppm not to be exceeded during any 15-minute work period.

ACGIH - The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.5 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 2.5 ppm as a short-term exposure limit.

Because benzene has been identified as a human carcinogen, all exposure to the dangerous chemical should be completely avoided if possible because there may not be a safe level of benzene exposure. Because the identified levels of benzene exposure are in regards to air levels, skin contact may overexpose an individual.

Benzene Is . . .
a colorless liquid used mainly in making other chemicals and plastics, as a solvent, and is found in gasoline. The Department of Health and Human Services determined benzene is a known human carcinogen.

Exposure to Benzene
Exposure to benzene means that exposure to a concentration of benzene above one-half the recommended environmental standard.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to benzene at the workplace or at home, and would like to learn more about your legal rights, contact a benzene lawyer with our legal team. We might be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries.