Benzene Class Action Lawsuit

Benzene is a colorless liquid chemical compound that has an aromatic or “sweet” odor. It is one of the 20 most commonly used chemicals in the U.S. today. Although the federal government banned the use of pure benzene more than 20 years ago, the chemical is still used in making solvents, degreasers, mineral spirits, plastics, rubber products, resins, glues, dyes, detergents, pesticides, and other products. It is also naturally occurring in petroleum products such as gasoline, as well as in cigarette smoke.

Unfortunately, many people have become sick due to workplace exposures to benzene.

Diseases Linked to Benzene Exposure

• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Aplastic Anemia
• Multiple Myeloma
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Acute Lymphocytic (or Lymphoblastic) Leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Myeloid (or Myelogenous) Leukemia (CML)
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
• Bladder Cancer
• And more

Benzene Exposure Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop the following reactions within minutes to several hours:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Death (at very high levels)

How Do I Know if my Condition was Caused by Benzene Exposure?

If you have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions and suspect that benzene exposure may be to blame, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case evaluation. As part of the evaluation process, we will explore the evidence to determine whether benzene may have caused your disease. We then provide your history and medical records to an expert in this area. This expert will study your case to determine whether benzene was a factor in the development of your injury.

Products Containing Benzene

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon produced from the burning of natural products. The chemical is derived from coal and petroleum, and is used as a constituent in the following products:

• Solvents
• Waxes
• Resins
• Oils
• Inks
• Paints
• Plastics
• Detergents
• Explosives
• Pharmaceuticals
• Dyestuffs
• And more

Benzene Exposure in the Workplace

People who work in industries that make or use benzene may be exposed to the highest levels of benzene. These industries include:

• Benzene production (petrochemicals, petroleum refining, coke, and coal chemical manufacturing)
• Rubber tire manufacturing
• Storage or transport of benzene and petroleum products containing benzene

Other individuals who may be exposed to benzene at the workplace include:

• Steelworkers
• Printers
• Rubber workers
• Shoemakers
• Laboratory technicians
• Firefighters
• Gas station employees

Additional Resources & Information

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• American Cancer Society – Benzene
• Benzene FAQ Page

Update: Colorado Petroleum Site Reports Emitting High Levels of Benzene

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation has discovered benzene-contaminated groundwater and soil at a site in Dacono, Colorado, according to a report filed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The commission discovered the problem while trying to dig up an old pump earlier this month, requiring Anadarko to remove 200 barrels of contaminated groundwater.

High Levels of Benzene Found in Texas After Hurricane Harvey

Residents of Texas trying to return to flooded homes after Hurricane Harvey should wear breathing masks to protect against molds and benzene from the city’s sewers, the EPA is warning. More than 450,000 Texas residents are still either without water or need to boil their water to prevent illness. Affected areas include parts of Houston, where flood waters have not completely receded nearly 2 weeks after the hurricane touched down on the city.

Turtle Wax Requests Dismissal of Illinois Benzene Lawsuit

Turtle wax has asked a judge to drop a lawsuit filed by a man who alleges he got leukemia from exposure to benzene at his job as a service station employee. Defendant argues that the suit lacks merit and fails to provide specific facts, including the location of where the benzene exposure occurred, the types of products that emitted the benzene, and the dates/frequency in which the exposure took place.

Auto Mechanic Files Benzene Cancer Lawsuit in Illinois

An Illinois man who claims he developed multiple myeloma after years of working as an auto mechanic has filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court. Plaintiff claims he was diagnosed with the disease as a result of prolonged exposure to carcinogens in diesel fuel, parts washer solvent, paint, belt dressings and more.

Illinois Man Alleges Leukemia from Benzene Exposure

A man from Wood River, Illinois, claims that he developed acute myeloid leukemia due to exposure to benzene from the Wood River Refinery. Plaintiff Dennis Determan alleges this exposure occurred due to exposure, inhalation, ingestion and/or absorption of benzene being emitted, leaked, spilled, dumped and discharged into the air and surface/groundwater by manufacturing plants owned by Rust-Oleum Corporation and Turtle Wax, Inc.

Talk With a Benzene Lawyer

The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in benzene lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Benzene cases in all 50 states.

Again, our lawyers wish to speak with anyone who has worked with benzene and subsequently been diagnosed with cancer.

We offer a free, no-obligation review of your potential case. There are no out of pocket expenses associated with speaking with us. If you give us the opportunity, we would be happy to talk with you about your unique situation and to hopefully answer any questions you might have.