Benzene Safety
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"Benzene Exposure Linked to Autoimmune Disease" October 1, 2007 A new study recently examined the relation between occupation and systemic autoimmune disease. The study has been published in October's issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism and was conducted by researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. What is Autoimmune Disease? According to reports, more than eight million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease is when the immune system attacks the body's own tissue. Exposures Associated with Disease Researchers found in the study, which examined the death certificates of those who died from the disease between 1984 and 1998, that certain occupations and exposure to substances like benzene had an impact on all the victims. Occupations where an individual has constant exposure to the public, such as with teachers and nurses, were associated with an increased risk of getting the illness. Specific exposures to substances related with the individual's occupation, like exposure to benzene, asbestos and pesticides also had an impact on whether or not someone contracted the disease. "The size of our study allowed us to estimate associations between specific occupations and death from autoimmune diseases and to generate hypothesis that will be useful as starting points for future studies in this area," explained L.S. Gold, one of the lead researchers in the study. (Source: Science Daily) Have you been wrongfully exposed to benzene? If so, please contact us to speak with an experienced benzene attorney who will ensure that you receive the compensation that you need and deserve. To learn more about benzene exposure and benzene laws, contact a Benzene Attorney. |