What is Benzene and Where is Benzene?
Benzene is a highly carcinogenic chemical that is present in both natural sources and in many manmade substances and processes. Natural sources of benzene can include forest fires and volcanic eruptions, but benzene can also be found in:
- Cigarette smoke
- Industrial solvents
- Manufacturing processes
- Gasoline
How are people exposed to benzene?
Benzene is ingested by the body either by inhalation or by direct skin contact. People are generally exposed to benzene in one of three ways:
· Environmental exposure: Most environmental exposure comes from human activities such as industrial facility burn-off.
· Workplace exposure: Most serious cases of long-term benzene poisoning are a result of workplace exposure. Workplace benzene exposure most often occurs in workers within the manufacturing and chemical industries. At least one OSHA estimate of workplace benzene exposure approximated that 237,000 American workers have been exposed.
- Household exposure: Benzene is a common additive in household products such as cleaning solutions and art supplies.
How Do I know if Benzene Caused My Cancer?
While there is no one way to definitively conclude that benzene is responsible for your cancer diagnosis, it is possible to establish benzene as the source of your carcinogenic exposure. This can be done in many ways, including:
- Type of cancer – benzene tends to lead to certain types of cancer more than others
- Blood and urine tests to establish the levels of benzene currently in the system
- Work history
If you believe that you or a loved one in Texas or throughout the United States may have developed cancer as a result of benzene exposure, particularly in the workplace, it is important that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You can contact Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. at benzene@smslegal.com.