Benzene Exposure Risk

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"Report Ranks Most Toxic Schools Nationwide"

December 15, 2008

USA TODAY conducted an eight-month research project to evaluate the air quality of schools across the nation. In addition to monitoring levels of nickel and manganese, researchers also measured how much benzene exposure was taking place at schools.

Like nickel and manganese, benzene is an extremely toxic substance that can cause a variety of health problems with prolonged exposure.

Because children are still developing, being exposed to benzene and other toxins is particularly harmful, as these carcinogenic substances can be potentially fatal in a far shorter period of time than they would be for adults.

Health Complications Associated with Benzene Exposure

Short-term exposure to benzene will cause immediate, noticeable side effects include:

• confusion and disorientation
• dizziness
• headaches
• loss of consciousness
• nausea
• shakiness
• vomiting

Over years of exposure, benzene can cause people to develop incurable, potentially fatal conditions, such as:

• anemia
• arrhythmias
• blood disorders
• immune system deficiencies
• leukemia
• reproductive disorders

For some, it can take as little as five years of benzene exposure to result in any combination of the above complications. In elementary and high schools with dangerous levels of benzene in the air, most children are likely to experience at least five years of toxic benzene exposure.

In total, nearly 128,000 private and public schools nationwide were evaluated. Among the states with the worst ranking schools were:

• Illinois
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania

The schools with the worst air quality tended to be those located near refineries, industrial plants and heavily traveled roadways.

The EPA Responds

Following the publication of this groundbreaking report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a series of studies and is currently working with some of the most polluted schools to find solutions to making school environments safer.

Along with examining cleansers and other chemicals used in schools, the EPA is also studying the school equipment safety that may release benzene and other toxins in the air.

(Source: USA Today)

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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