Benzene is a petroleum hydrocarbon liquid that has a sweet odor. Benzene is the one chemical that is universally recognized as a cause of leukemia. Benzene is a major commodity chemical sold every year in billions of tons. Most of the benzene manufactured by the petroleum industry is used as an additive in gasoline or to make plastics. The greatest risk is to workers who use gasoline or other petroleum solvents that contain benzene. The use of benzene as a solvent has been banned in the United States for more almost 30 years. Nevertheless, workers who use solvents are still exposed to benzene, because some benzene exists in most petroleum solvents. Workers using solvents that contain benzene inhale benzene vapors evaporating from the solvent. Workers using solvents also absorb benzene through their hands from handling solvent rags or and from solvent splashing on their skin. Some workers even use gasoline and other petroleum products to clean grease off of their hands. Benzene has caused leukemias in many workers exposed to petroleum products:
If benzene caused your leukemia, you may be able to obtain compensation to pay for your medical bills, to keep up the payments on your mortgage, and to provide for your family. [CLICK HERE] to find out if you have a potential case against those responsible for causing your leukemia. |
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