Benzene Information

It is important to seek both medical and legal assistance in the event that you think you may have been affected by exposure to this chemical. An experienced benzene lawyer can provide the necessary tools and support to put together a strong case and get as much compensation as possible for benzene related injury. Both those affected and the family of those that may have passed away due to the effects of exposure may be eligible to claim, and this can be determined by contacting a suitably qualified and experienced lawyer.

Benzene related diseases may develop as late as 29 years after exposure. No amount of money can fully compensate you or a family member who suffers from a benzene related disease. These diseases are painful and debilitating and may result in premature death. The loss of a loved one and the drain on family resources and emotions carry an immeasurable price. Many of these victims or their families are filing lawsuits against companies that exposed them to benzene to cover medical costs and pain and suffering.

There are tests for exposure to benzene, however, they are only useful for determining short-term exposures. Several tests can show if you have been exposed to benzene. There is a test for measuring benzene in the breath; this test must be done shortly after exposure. Benzene can also be measured in the blood. Again, however, measurements are accurate only for recent exposures since benzene disappears rapidly from the blood.

One test for benzene exposure depends on substances called metabolites. In the body, benzene is converted to metabolites. Certain metabolites can be measured in the urine. However, this test must be done shortly after exposure and is not a reliable indicator of how much benzene you have been exposed to, since the metabolites may be present in urine from other sources.

For those who think that they have been exposed to benzene very recently and at high levels, there are tests that to measure this exposure. However, these tests will not be effective on everyone who thinks that they may have been exposed to the chemical. For instance, it can prove ineffective on those exposed to Benzene a long time ago, or on those exposed to the chemical on a lower level.

The results of a 1995 study finding higher than expected levels of benzene in Anchorage, Alaska homes has led to a grant for further research. The University of Washington and the Municipal Department of Health and Human Services have accepted the grant for a study the indoor air in Anchorage homes with attached garages. The study will involve air samples from 50 homes, in an effort to understand the way that air moves from attached garages into the living areas of houses.

A study found that new cars contain vinyl and plastic materials that emit gases containing benzene. This benzene exposure is characterized by that "new car smell". Commuters driving in polluted cities may think that using the air conditioning instead of opening the windows to pollution is a better health measure. In fact, "it's about two to ten times more polluted inside a vehicle on a congested freeway or a major street," according to Mel Zeldin of the North Carolina Air Quality Management District.

If you can smell benzene, there's probably too much of it in the air. For most people, the “odor threshold” for benzene is about 61 ppm (parts per million). However, most standards for airborne exposure to benzene are about 10 ppm.

If someone gets splashed with liquid benzene on their skin or in their eyes, do the following. Avoid direct contact with the chemical. Wear chemical protective clothing, if necessary. As quickly as possible, flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 20 minutes or until chemical is removed. If benzene has gotten into the victim's eyes, immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes. Take care not to rinse contamination from one eye into another. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods such as watchbands and belts. Obtain medical attention immediately. Discard contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registrycan tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances such as benzene. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns. For more information, call 1-888-422-8737.

Yes, and it can vary from one state to another. In order to maximize on the chances of success with your lawsuit you should find out what the statute of limitation is for your state, and ensure that you seek legal assistance in a timely manner.

An experienced and qualified benzene lawyer can help you to put together a solid lawsuit if you have been affected by this chemical. In the case of a person that has passed away through illness caused by exposure, a lawyer can help the family to put together a sound wrongful death lawsuit. As well as legal assistance in filing a benzene lawsuit, experienced lawyers within this field will also be able to help put you in touch with support groups and other organizations.