Representing Benzene-exposed Workers Who are Diagnosed With AML Leukemia or MDS Years Later
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Benzene-exposed workers may develop benzene-related diseases including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Workers and their families need to know that the diagnosis of AML or MDL will probably be made many years after the last exposure to benzene. This is due to the “latency period”, or lag time, between the work with or around benzene on the job and the development of AML or MDS.
Benzene is among the top 20 chemicals for production volume and can be found in many different industries. Exposure to benzene is more likely for particular types of workers within certain industries. Benzene can be a colorless liquid with a sweet odor, or a colorless gas. It occurs naturally but is also synthetically produced.
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More Information
- How to File a Benzene Workers Comp Claim
- Filing Deadline for NC Benzene Workers Comp Claims
- Exposure to Benzene
- Benzene-Related Diseases
- Workers Exposed to Benzene
- Benzene Exposure in Industries
- Benzene-Containing Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Benzene Cancer Resources
About Us
We are here to help the benzene-exposed workers who have been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)., as well as their families. We have successfully handled personal injury and wrongful death cases for workers and their families throughout the country.
Our firm does not put its clients into large class-action lawsuits. Rather, an individual lawsuit is filed for each case. There are no costs associated with having us review your possible benzene case.
Be assured that the information you provide to our law firm is treated as strictly confidential. Submitting a case evaluation does not obligate you to hire our law firm. Lastly, we want you to know that you will get a reply directly from attorney Tom Lamb no later than the next business day.
Most Recent Article on This Topic
An Overview of Benzene Exposure and its Adverse Effects
Benzene is a widely-used chemical that is known to cause leukemia, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Benzene-related diseases include acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). While benzene does occur naturally, it can also be synthetically produced. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, or by getting benzene-containing products on one’s skin.
Benzene Exposure
Benzene exposures mainly occur through two means or methods:
- inhalation, when benzene fumes are breathed in; and,
- dermal absorption, when benzene comes in contact with the skin.
Many people are exposed to small amounts of benzene in their everyday lives through cigarette smoke, air pollution, and contact with gasoline, but these exposures usually do not have the serious health effects which are common to the excessive benzene exposures experienced by various workers.
Since exposure to benzene frequently occurs in the workplace, particular types of workers and particular industries are more likely to experience unsafe benzene exposure.
To read more of this article, click below:
You may be at increased risk of developing AML leukemia, MDS, or other benzene-related diseases if you worked in one of the benzene exposure industries listed below:
- Benzene production including petrochemicals, petroleum refining, as well as coke and coal company manufacturing.
- Storage / transport of benzene
- Manufacturing of adhesives, detergents, drugs, dyes, lubricants, nylon and synthetic fibers, pesticides, plastics, rubbers, resins
It is estimated there are as many as 238,000 workers exposed to benzene in the United States.
Check out our “Workers Who Could Be Exposed to Benzene” page for a list of workers who are particularly at risk of benzene exposure.
Benzene Exposure-Related Diseases
Benzene diseases develop because of the effect benzene has on the blood and the blood-forming organs, such as bone marrow.
While most people are exposed to small amounts of benzene through air pollution, gasoline fumes, and cigarette smoke, those most at risk of benzene-related cancers typically have occupational exposures to benzene on a semi-regular basis.
In cases of excessive exposure, benzene can also compromise the immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections and even some cancers. It can take years from the time workers are exposed to benzene before they develop any symptoms of benzene-related blood cancers.
Benzene exposure is most strongly associated with leukemia (cancer of blood-forming tissues), specifically acute myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (AML). Some research indicates that benzene exposure is also associated with an increased risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). MDS is often classified as a precursor to leukemia, and is sometimes referred to as “pre-leukemia”. For those diagnosed with MDS, there is a fairly high risk of developing AML later in time.
There is also some evidence that benzene exposure may cause the following types of cancers to develop:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Our earlier articles about benzene exposure causing cancers and diseases:
- Certain Aerosol Antiperspirants Found to Contain High Levels of Benzene
- Benzene Linked to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma According to New Review of Past Studies
- Johnson & Johnson Sunscreen Recall Over Benzene Contamination Concerns
- Are Benzene Contaminated Sunscreens Safe to Use?
- Testing Shows High Levels of Benzene Found In Hand Sanitizers
- Benzene Recently Confirmed to Cause Cancers in Humans