Benzene Exposure Risk

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What to Do Following Benzene Exposure

November 5, 2008

Benzene is a sweetly fragrant organic liquid that is highly toxic when inhaled or ingested. Derived from the process of refining crude oil or coal, benzene is commonly an ingredient in synthetic substances that many people use on a daily basis.

Some products that generally contain benzene include:

• adhesives
• cigarettes (particularly in cigarettes' plastic filters)
• degreasers
• dyes
• paints
• plastics
• solvents and cleansers.

How Benzene Exposure Occurs

When an ingredient in liquid substances, such as dyes and paints, benzene is easy to inhale, as it readily dissolves into the air at room temperatures. However, people may also experience benzene exposure by:

• drinking water contaminated with benzene (toxin easily dissolves in water)
• ingesting synthetic materials that contain benzene
• inhaling gasoline fumes for significant periods of time
• smoking cigarettes.

Who is Most Likely to Experience Benzene Exposure?

The following occupations put people at the highest risk of experiencing toxic benzene exposure:

• gas station attendants (or gasoline distributors)
• painters
• pipe fitters
• refinery workers.

Symptoms of Benzene Exposure

For most, the effects of benzene exposure will develop rapidly, as short-term benzene exposure immediately causes people to experience:

• confusion and disorientation
• dizziness
• extreme fatigue and weakness
• headaches
• increased heart rates
• joint pain
• loss of balance or coordination
• nausea
• tremors
• unconsciousness

However, for those who regularly come into contact with benzene (either through their work, lifestyle habits or living environments), the side effects of long-term benzene exposure can be far more severe and painful.

Over prolonged periods of time, benzene exposure causes irreversible, life threatening conditions, including leukemia and immune system deficiencies.

If You Experience Benzene Exposure

Seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will likely ask you about your recent activities and then perform a series of tests to determine the extent of your injuries due to benzene exposure.

Once you pursued the necessary treatments, you may also want to speak to an experienced benzene lawyer, as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries – particularly if your benzene exposure occurred on the job or without your knowledge.

Contact us for more information and resources.

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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