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Benzene Exposure Risk






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"Texas' Toxic Hotspots Expose Citizens to Benzene"

December 1 , 2008

A recent report issued by four regulatory agencies has found that 14 cities throughout Texas regularly expose workers and residents to unsafe levels of multiple toxins. Of these 14 "toxic hotspots," six were found to emit benzene, a known carcinogenic liquid.

Among the agencies that researched and reported on this widespread toxin exposure are:

• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
• Environmental Integrity Project (EIP)
• Galveston-Houston Association for Smog Prevention (GHASP)
• Industry Professionals for Clean Air (IPCA).

What is Benzene?
Benzene is a clear, sweet smelling liquid that is commonly used to make plastics, dyes, degreasers and other synthetic materials. Derived from unrefined oil and coal, benzene can easily dissolve into the air, water or soil when in its raw form. When inhaled or ingested, benzene can cause people to develop a range of mild to severe health problems, including:

• anemia
• leukemia
• nausea
• vomiting
• blood disorders
• dizziness and disorientation
• headaches
• immune system deficiencies

While the effects of benzene will vary between individuals, for some, it takes as little as five years of benzene exposure to result in irreversible, potentially fatal health complications.

Toxic Hotspots in Texas: A City-By-City Look at Toxin Exposure
The 14 cities identified as "toxic hotspots" are all industrial hubs where either raw materials are regularly refined or manufacturing takes place on a large scale. Here is look at the cities pinpointed as "toxic hotspots," along with the particular toxins associated with each site:

City Toxins
Bastrop Hydrogen sulfide
Cass Hydrogen sulfide
Freeport Arsenic, cobalt, nickel, vanadium
Dallas Nickel
El Paso Hydrogen sulfide
Texas City Acrolein, butyraldehyde, propionaldehyde, vlaeraldehyde, benzene, hydrogen sulfide
Lynchburg Ferry Benzene, styrene
Galena Park Benzene
Houston 1, 3- butadiene
Evadale Hydrogen sulfide
Beaumont Hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, benzene
Port Arthur Benzene
Port Neches 1, 3- butadiene
Corpus Christi Benzene

If you have experienced benzene exposure (or other toxin exposure) at work or at home, see your doctor immediately for a thorough physical exam.

Those who have developed health complications following exposure to benzene will likely be entitled to monetary compensation by pursuing a benzene lawsuit.

(Source: Toxic Texas)

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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