Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Benzene Exposure Linked to Leukemia

Benzene is a chemical that is used as a solvent to create other chemicals. It is found in common products like glues, waxes, adhesives, plastics, detergents, pesticides, and inks. Benzene is also in gasoline and cigarettes. Benzene is colorless, flammable, has a sweet odor and evaporates quickly. Billions of pounds of Benzene are produced each year Benzene is a known carcinogen, and exposure to the chemical can cause serious forms of leukemia and anemia.

Common Sources of Benzene Exposure

Millions of Americans have been exposed to Benzene. Below is a list of common sources of Benzene exposure:

•    Paint and stain fumes
•    Manufacturing of plastics, detergents, glues and dyes
•    Pesticides
•    Hazardous waste areas
•    Cigarettes
•    Gas Refineries
•    Burning coal and oil
•    Automotive exhaust

Leukemia Linked to Benzene Exposure

Exposure to benzene directly, or products containing benzene, has been associated with an elevated risk of developing several types of leukemia. Leukemia, a type of cancer affecting the cells that create blood in the bone marrow and then spreading to the blood and in some cases other parts of the body.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML, is the most commonly linked to benzene exposure. AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of white blood cells, which causes the growth of abnormal cells in the bone marrow that interfere with the production of normal cells. Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia can include bleeding and easy bruising, infections and shortness of breath. AML is a serious form of leukemia, it typically progresses rapidly and can be fatal within weeks or months if left untreated.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Benzene exposure may also be linked with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, or CLL. This type of leukemia progresses over a longer period of time than acute leukemias. CLL starts in early forms of lymphocytes, which are types of white blood cells (B cells and T cells) that comprise lymphoid tissue.

Legal Rights for Victims of Benzene Exposure

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with a benzene related illness, you may have valuable legal rights. Our aggressive benzene attorneys are available to provide a free legal consultation. You can request a case evaluation by completing the inquiry form on this page, or by calling 1-800-50-RIGHTS (1-800-507-4448). or fill out the form at the right.