Benzene – Workplace Health Hazards – Cancer Attorney

Benzene is a chemical used in the manufacture of many products, including gasoline. Benzene exposure has been linked to cancer and it can lead to leukemia or lymphoma if exposed for more than four years. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set guidelines for benzene levels because of its risks on workers’ health. This article discusses how OSHA sets these guidelines, as well as some other organizations that have created their own standards regarding workplace safety.,

The “carlson law firm locations” is a company that specializes in workplace health hazards and cancer litigation. The company has offices in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Benzene - Workplace Health Hazards - Cancer Attorney

Benzene is a volatile chemical molecule found in crude oil that is used to manufacture gasoline, plastics, rubber, dyes, insecticides, and other products. Despite the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has cautioned that benzene is a deadly carcinogen, it remains permitted in the United States. Trace quantities of the chemical may be found in pollutants like automobile exhaust and cigarette smoke, making it surprisingly difficult to avoid. 

Workers who deal with benzene directly have a higher chance of getting blood malignancies, but they aren’t the only ones. According to a recent scientific research, many sunscreen formulations include high amounts of Benzene, which is particularly concerning given that the product is touted as a cancer-deterrent. It becomes more difficult to tell what is truly safe for us to use when firms utilize harmful substances in items that are meant to keep us safe. 

If you or a loved one has been exposed to benzene as a result of using sunscreen, please call our office right once to talk with a lawyer. 

While many compounds in sunscreen have been shown to provide protection from the sun, some businesses have chosen to incorporate substances like Benzene, which may have dangerous and even life-threatening negative effects. Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature, according to the CDC. The substance also has a nice odor and is quite combustible. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that there is good evidence linking benzene exposure to leukemia and other blood cancers, however it is crucial to highlight that certain malignancies are less prevalent. 

What Are Benzene’s Negative Effects?

Victims of benzene poisoning might experience a wide range of negative consequences. According to the American Cancer Society, victims may have long or short-term adverse effects, ranging from everyday headaches and dizziness to elevated heart rates or being diagnosed with life-threatening conditions. The following are some of the most common short-term negative effects of benzene exposure:

  • Headaches
  • Tremors
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Convulsions
  • Unconsciousness

According to several studies, benzene may be linked to a variety of cancers, including:

  • Leukemia
  • Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer that affects the blood cells.
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a kind of cancer that affects the lymphatic system
  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a kind of leukemia that affects (AML)
  • Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a kind of cancer that affects the white blood cells (ALL)
  • CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) is a kind of leukemia that affects (CLL)

Long-term exposure to Benzene may cause bone marrow damage in addition to cancer. This may result in more serious side effects including anemia, a low white blood cell count, and a low blood platelet count, all of which can impair the body’s capacity to fight infections and can be life-threatening. Long-term exposure to benzene has also been demonstrated to impair reproductive organs in studies. However, it is uncertain if exposure impacts the fetus or fertility in pregnant women.

Johnson & Johnson was criticized in July 2021 for announcing a sunscreen recall owing to benzene contamination in its products. Over 70 aerosol sunscreen products included the hazardous chemical Benzene, according to Valisure, an internet lab that investigated these claims. We’ve included a list of some of the current sunscreen brands that are thought to contain Benzene below for your convenience.

  • Aveeno
  • Babyganics
  • Boat with Bananas
  • CVS Health is a pharmacy that specializes on health and
  • EltaMD
  • Equate
  • Zinc that is not unethical
  • The Earth’s Fruit
  • LaRoche-Posay
  • CVS Health can help you live a healthier life.
  • Maximum Block
  • Neutrogena
  • Elements in their Natural State
  • Sun Bum
  • Everyday TopCare

Click here to get a complete list of all the brands and items that were highlighted.

Who is in jeopardy?

As previously said, one out of every ten Americans utilizes sunscreen on a daily basis. Individuals who have been exposed to benzene via the use of sunscreen on a regular basis are deemed “at-risk.” “There is no acceptable quantity of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products,” says Dr. Christopher Bunick, an associate professor of dermatology at Yale University. If you or someone you know has been exposed to or used a product containing any quantity of benzene, you might develop any of the serious side effects. 

If you suspect you have used a benzene-containing sunscreen or have any queries regarding your symptoms, we strongly advise you to seek medical advice first, then contact our firm.

Make an appointment with a Morgan & Morgan lawyer.

You should never have to worry about placing yourself or your loved ones in danger while purchasing sunscreen. If you or a loved one was exposed to benzene via the use of sunscreen and got a life-threatening disease like leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may be eligible for legal compensation.  

Our tort lawyers at Morgan & Morgan will battle tooth and nail to hold those businesses accountable. Contact our attorney’s office now to find out whether you are qualified for a lawsuit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is benzene a cancer hazard?

A: Benzene is not carcinogenic, but inhaling it can cause death.

What are four known health effects of benzene exposure?

A: Benzene is a chemical compound that can cause both short-term and long-term harmful health effects. Short-term exposure to benzene may not result in any symptoms, but it does have the potential for causing severe physical symptoms including dizziness, seizures, rapid heart rate and feelings of confusion or disorientation. Long term exposure has been linked to leukemia, anemia and lymphoma.

What are the safety hazards for benzene?

A: Benzene is a toxic and flammable chemical compound found in gasoline. It’s possible for benzene to cause irritation of the eyes, skin or lungs, as well as nausea and dizziness.

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