Benzene Exposure Risk

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"Benzene Found in Colorado Water"

October 16 , 2008

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) has recently issued citations to five petroleum and gas industries for their possible role in contaminating spring water with benzene. The water comes from two springs in De Beque and Parachute, Colorado, where COGCC agents are still pursing an investigation as to the precise cause of the benzene contamination.

News of this water contamination first became public when Ned Prather, a resident of De Beque, Co., became sick after drinking spring water on his property.

Causes and Effects of Benzene Poisoning

Benzene is an extremely toxic substance that is derived from crude oil and is commonly used to make paints, plastics, dyes and other synthetic materials. In addition to dissolving in water and soil, benzene may also be airborne as a sweet-smelling gas. When inhaled or ingested (either via contaminated water or food), benzene causes:

• confusion
• disorientation
• dizziness
• headaches
• loss of balance and/or coordination
• nausea
• vomiting

Over time, prolonged benzene poisoning will cause serious health problems and, in some cases, fatality. Severe anemia, leukemia and bone marrow disorders are among some of the more grave, irreversible health effects of long-term benzene exposure.

What the Investigation has yielded so far

Although the investigation is still underway, COGCC officials have already cited the following companies for their possible role in the benzene water contamination:

• Marathon Oil Company
• Nonsuch Natural Gas
• OXY USA WTP LP
• Petroleum Develop Corp.
• Williams Production RMT.

Interestingly, at this point in the investigation, officials have yet to find direct evidence linking the above businesses to the benzene contamination. In fact, officials cited the listed companies because:

• they are located close to the tainted springs
• they didn't report the benzene contamination in a "timely manner"

Should this investigation find that another source is responsible for the benzene leak, these citations may be revoked. However, further tests are needed on suspicious water samples before the source of the benzene contamination can be pinpointed.

(Source: The Daily Sentinel)

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.

For more information about how benzene exposure may put you and your loved ones at risk, contact a Benzene Attorney.

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