According to the CDC, benzene is a highly flammable, sweet-smelling chemical that can be nearly colorless or a light yellow liquid at room temperature. Benzene is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H6, consisting of six carbon atoms that are joined in an aromatic ring, with a hydrogen atom attached to each carbon atom. Due to its high flammability, it is one of the substances known as a human carcinogen—meaning that if a human were to come into contact with benzene, it could cause cancer. More particularly, scientists believe that high levels of benzene can cause leukemia and possibly other blood-based cancers.
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Does Benzene Cause Leukemia?
Does Benzene Cause Leukemia?
FAQ
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- Headaches
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Death
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Irritation of the stomach
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Death (at high levels)
How Is Benzene Linked to Leukemia?
As previously mentioned, scientists believe exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia and possibly other blood-based cancers. Particularly, the rates of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been found to be higher in studies of workers in the chemical, shoemaking, and oil refining industries who were exposed to high levels of benzene. Other studies have also suggested links to childhood leukemia, specifically AML, as well as acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and other blood-related cancers like myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults.
However, while the evidence is not as strong, there is still room to believe that there is a connection between these cancers and prolonged benzene exposure.
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
Depending on your level of exposure to benzene, you may or may not exhibit certain symptoms. Those individuals who have breathed in high levels of benzene may develop the following signs and symptoms within minutes to several hours of exposure:
If you have consumed foods or drinks that contain high levels of benzene, you may experience the following symptoms within minutes to several hours:
Suppose you experience vomiting due to the ingestion of foods or drinks contaminated with benzene. In that case, the vomit could be lodged into your lungs and eventually cause coughing and other breathing-related issues. Any direct exposure to the eyes and skin can cause what is known as tissue injuries or irritation.
What Are My Next Steps?
If you believe you have been exposed to benzene and are exhibiting symptoms, we highly recommend you speak to a medical professional in order to seek treatment, as exposure may lead to severe or even life-threatening injuries. Once you’ve reached out to a medical professional, we urge you to connect with an attorney. At Morgan & Morgan, benzene attorneys have the best resources in America to help you get the justice you deserve. For over 30 years, we have helped victims just like you fight back when companies who have gone unchecked allow harmful chemicals to turn your life upside down.
To learn more about how our attorneys can help you, please complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation form today, and an attorney will be in touch.