Sources and Dangers Of a Benzene Accident at Work
Benzene is a dangerous, highly toxic, sweet smelling, colorless and extremely flammable liquid used in the production of gasoline, industrial solvents, plastics, detergents, pesticides, dyes, rubber, lubricants, and other such products. The smell of Benzene can suggest that it is harmless. In fact, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Benzene was often applied as an after-shave ointment because of its pleasant aroma.
An easy mistake to make during that time period; however, today it is common knowledge that Benzene is a very dangerous liquid and can lead to major health complications. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Benzene is a chemical that is both lab synthesized and found in nature in processes like: volcanic eruptions, wildfires, fabrication of rubbers, lubricants, pesticides, medications, and more. The the largest contributor of Benzene exposure is tobacco smoke, exhaust from motor vehicles, and industrial pollution. Additionally, Benzene ingestion can come from contact of contaminated water.
What are the Dangers Associated with Benzene?
Long-term exposure to Benzene can cause serious damage to the brain, liver, heart, kidney, lungs and other organs. It is notorious for damaging bone marrow and can even cause damage to your DNA. Just one Benzene accident at work can result in several serious and fatal conditions, such as:
Benzene is extremely toxic to humans. Even short-term exposure can cause a variety of serious health problems, such as:
What are the Main Sources of Benzene Exposure?
Those working in the oil, gas, manufacturing, chemical, steel, rubber industries are at the highest risk for Benzene exposure. This includes pipefitters, painters, shoemakers, printers, and those working in chemical plants or oil refineries. Benzene evaporates very quickly and can rapidly accumulate in the air. This is especially hazardous in indoor environments like factories.
Unfortunately, Benzene is literally everywhere in our modern society, particularly in the air. Benzene is a natural result of combustion. As such, it is produced by cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes and petroleum fumes. Benzene is also found in water and soil as a result of industrial contamination. Even those who do not work in industrial environments may find themselves at risk, including firefighters and gas station employees.
There are numerous regulations and laws which aim to protect those working in occupations which pose a high risk of Benzene exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, for example, has limited the amount of Benzene which can be in the air to 1 part of Benzene per 1 million parts of air (1 ppm). However, even continued exposure to low doses of Benzene can cause serious health problems.
In a 1948 report, the American Petroleum Institute declared "it is generally considered that the only absolutely safe concentration for Benzene is zero.” Further, it is not uncommon for employers to violate these rules and regulations, placing their employees at risk. During unsafe situations like this, affected workers may want to seek out the help of a work accident attorney.
If you or someone you know has suffered from serious health problems, and you suspect it was caused by exposure to Benzene, contact the Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie & Associates at (844)-777-2529 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you.
We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College, Bellefonte and Lock Haven, and we are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.
Alvin F. de Levie is a 1973, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and a 1976 graduate of the Villanova University School of Law. He is an expert in Pennsylvania Law revolving around medical malpractice and personal injury.
Mr. de Levie has consistently been voted by his peers to receive Martindale-Hubbell's "AV Preeminent" 5.0 out of 5.0 rating. An AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
