Although many people have never heard of benzene, it is a substance commonly found in many products, including plastic, resin, nylon and synthetic fiber. It is also used in pesticides, rubbers, dyes, detergents as well as some drugs.

The substance has been used for years, but scientists are just now discovering that benzene exposure can lead to serious health consequences, according to benzene exposure attorneys.

What Is Benzene?

Benzene is a colorless or light yellow liquid chemical that is found naturally as part of crude oil and gasoline. It also forms naturally as part of volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is highly flammable with a sweet odor that evaporates into the air very quickly.

The chemical is used in a wide variety of industries that could lead to human exposure. Symptoms of high levels of benzene exposure include drowsiness, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremor, confusion and unconsciousness. Extreme exposure can lead to death.

Injuries Caused by Benzene Exposure

Exposure to benzene can occur over time so that symptoms may not be immediately recognizable. Research indicates that people who have been exposed to benzene for extensive periods or at high levels of the chemical may suffer from anemia or loss of white blood cells.

There have been reports of benzene exposure causing bone marrow abnormalities including excessive bleeding and infections. There have also been people diagnosed with leukemia after benzene exposure. When exposure occurs as part of your regular working environment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation for injuries you sustained.

Do You Have a Benzene Exposure Lawsuit?

The best way to determine if you may be able to file a lawsuit based on injuries sustained from exposure to benzene is to hire benzene exposure attorneys who understand the effects of exposure on the human body.

Our attorneys can guide you on what steps to take, work with the workers’ compensation insurance company and help get you the benefits you are entitled to under the law. If the exposure was due to your regular job duties, you may not be able to file a lawsuit as an employer cannot be sued for a workplace injury in Pennsylvania. However, if you were exposed in other ways, you may qualify for a personal injury claim.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukemia, bone marrow problems or other illnesses that may be related to benzene exposure, contact our benzene exposure attorneys today to learn what rights you may have. Schedule your initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy query form on our website. We will work with you to help you get the compensation you deserve under the law.