Benzene Found at New School Site

Benzene Exposure Risk

"Benzene Found at New School Site in Reading, Pa."

October 28, 2008

The Reading School District will no longer build three new schools at its originally planned site after finding significant levels of both benzene and asbestos on the premises. The planned site, which spans nine acres, is currently the location of a Hershey candy factory that is slated to close its doors in the coming year.

While the School District has already opted out of its nearly $4 million deal to buy the contaminated property, it still plans to build seven new schools by 2011.

According to the Reading School District's Superintendent, Thomas Chapman Jr., the District's goal is to build the safest schools possible. If the Hershey Company cleans up the property, Chapman stated, the District may reconsider it as a location for its new schools.

The Threat of Benzene
Like asbestos, benzene is a highly toxic substance that can cause those exposed to it for long periods of time to suffer from permanent and painful health problems.

Benzene, a sweet smelling substance, is made from crude petroleum or coal. While it has a variety of useful applications, including as an ingredient in dyes, paints and other synthetic materials, benzene becomes toxic when it contaminates the air, water or soil.

Benzene Side Effects
If inhaled or ingested for short periods of time, benzene can cause people to suffer from:

• bronchitis
• disorientation
• headaches
• loss of balance
• loss of consciousness
• mood swings
• pneumonia
• skin redness
• nausea
• vomiting

Over longer lengths of time, benzene exposure can result in:

• leukemia
• severe anemia
• aplasia (the interrupted development of an organ or tissue)
• multiple myeloma (a type of cancer affecting the body's plasma cells)
• reproductive issues, particularly for women (these typically include abnormal menstruation and/or reduced ovary size)

Benzene Regulations
To combat benzene's potential side effects, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set the following benzene regulations:

• The maximum concentration of benzene in drinking water is 0.005 mg/L.

• The maximum level of benzene in the air (particularly in a workplace environment where people will be for 40 hours each week) is 1 part benzene per million parts of air (1ppm).

Because the effects of benzene can be irreversible and life threatening, anyone who suspects he has experienced benzene exposure should consult his doctor for a thorough exam and, if necessary, immediate treatment.

(Source: Philly.com)

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.

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