Benzene Exposure Risk
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Benzene Ruins Couple's "Dream Home" November 4, 2008 Zig and Kathryn Reichwald, who live in Spartanburg, South Carolina, purchased their dream home nearly five years ago. At the time, this cozy home and its spacious backyard seemed like a place where this couple would raise their children and live for decades to come. However, in January 2007, when the 24-hour Spinx gas station moved into a commercial building neighboring the Reichwald's home, everything changed. The once quiet and relaxing home became the site of incessant benzene exposure, loud noises at all hours and bright lights – all of which turned the Reichwald's dream home into a nightmare. What is Benzene?Benzene is a sweet smelling liquid derived from unrefined petroleum or coal. While it's often used to create plastics, benzene may also be used in dyes, paints and other synthetic materials. At room temperature, benzene is highly unstable, as it can easily dissolve in air, water and soil. If inhaled or ingested, benzene is extremely toxic, as it causes people to experience: • confusion Over long periods of time, the side effects of benzene exposure are irreversible and likely fatal, as people may develop leukemia, severe anemia and/or immune system deficiencies after prolonged benzene exposure. Benzene Exposure Encouraged Couple to Sell Their HomeAlthough the Reichwalds tried to endure the noise and toxins coming from the gas station, they have since put their house up for sale. Unfortunately, the Reichwalds have been unable to find a buyer for their $200,000 home. Of the five potential buyers who have already looked at their home, none have returned because of, according to the Reichwalds, the overwhelming pollution plaguing the site. Controversy Stirs in the NeighborhoodHowever, the Reichwalds have found a commercial buyer who would be willing to purchase their home, should the city grant the site a commercially zoned permit. The problem is that the Reichwalds' neighbors are all contesting this permit, as they say that their own properties, as well as the character of the neighborhood, will be seriously devalued if the Reichwalds' property becomes a commercial space. Their argument highlights the fact that the traffic in the busy neighborhood will increase, causing even more pollution in an environment already battling the effects of a commercial neighbor (the gas station). While the city of Spartanburg has yet to make its decision regarding the Reichwald's commercial permit, one thing is certain: Something needs to be done to combat the effects of benzene exposure before the gas station's neighbors are seriously affected. What that solution will be has yet to be determined by the members of this community. (Source: Go Upstate) Have you or a loved one been harmed by benzene exposure? If so, contact us today to meet with an experienced benzene lawyer who can help you pursue your legal claim and win your highly deserved compensation. Click here for more Benzene News...
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