Benzene and Cancer
Benzene has been determined by the Department of Health & Human Services to be a known carcinogen - a chemical or physical agent that causes cancer. The most common cancer caused by benzene exposure is acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
More than three million workers are potentially exposed to benzene every year. The use of benzene as a solvent has been banned in the US for more than 20 years, but unfortunately, there is still benzene in most petroleum solvents. Workers may inhale vapors from the solvent or absorb vapors through their skin.
Benzene ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume in the United States.
Benzene is used to make:
- Plastics and resins
- Nylon and synthetic fibers
- Some types of rubbers
- Lubricants
- Dyes and detergents
- Pesticides
Sadly, benzene is one of the toxic chemicals that contaminated the water at the Camp Lejeune base in North Carolina for over 30 years.
At Camp Lejeune, nearly 1 million civilian workers, military service members, and their families were exposed to benzene and more, which put many at risk of various cancers and health issues.
If you or someone you love has been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.