Benzene

Benzene is a chemical that is widely used and can result in lethal side effects through high levels of exposure. This chemical comes in a colorless liquid form, and its odor can be described as sweet. It is a chemical that is used by humans but can also be found naturally in the environment. Highly flammable, Benzene is often used in the production of plastics, fibres, resins, rubber, nylon, detergents, lubricants, drugs and much more. Benzene can also be found naturally in cigarette smoke, crude oil, gasoline, forest fires and volcanoes.  It is also very common in industrial settings which accounts for the high number of veterans exposed. 

Although Benzene can occur naturally in the environment, the main source of exposure to this chemical comes from human processes. Exposure to benzene can occur both indoors and outdoors, although the levels of this chemical tend to be higher indoors and come from a variety of sources such as smoke, paints and detergents. Cigarette smoke is one of the major sources of exposure to Benzene. However, the highest risk group when it comes to exposure is those that actually work with this chemical.

The effects of Benzene exposure can be very dangerous if high levels of this chemical are breathed in or absorbed by the body. However, even moderate exposure can result in some unpleasant side effects. Fairly high levels of exposure to this chemical could result in:

• Rapid heart rate
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Unconsciousness

Very high levels of exposure to Benzene can result in convulsions, vomiting and death, in addition to the above effects. However, some of the most worrying effects of Benzene come with longer term exposure, which means exposure for one year or more. In these circumstances, Benzene can affect the bone marrow, decreasing the red blood cell count and resulting in possible infections and anaemia. In addition to this, long term exposure can result in leukemia. In fact, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has classified benzene as a Group A, human carcinogen.

For those concerned about Benzene levels in their systems, there are some tests available. However, most of these are only effective for those exposed to Benzene recently, as signs of Benzene presence can quickly disappear thus rendering these tests ineffective unless the exposure was recent. These tests are also largely ineffective on lower levels of Benzene exposure.

Thos e that think they may have been exposed to this chemical should seek medical assistance as early as possible following exposure. Long term or high levels of exposure to Benzene can kill, and some have already lost their lives through leukemia or another side effect of exposure to this chemical. This has resulted in a number of Benzene lawsuits in the past, where the manufacturers of Benzene products have been sued due to harm and injury caused by their products. In addition to this, employers can also be sued if workers are exposed to high levels of this chemical without the necessary protection as recommended by the EPA.

The seriousness of the effects that can come with Benzene exposure means that lawsuits are still being filed by people who have suffered ill effects from this chemical. In cases where the victim has actually died as a result of Benzene exposure, the  victims surviving family may be able to file a claim against the party or parties deemed responsible (such as the manufacturers or the employers of the affected party).  Our job at Veterans Assistance Network is to ensure that each veteran who has developed side effects from exposure to benzene in the service is properly compensated.  Call us today or fill out a form to speak with a veteran who is familiar with Benzene VA claims. We can help.

 

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