Benzene exposures mainly occur by breathing in benzene fumes or when benzene gets on the skin. These two types of benzene exposures are generally referred to as:
- Inhalation exposure — when benzene fumes are breathed in; and,
- Dermal absorption — when benzene comes in contact with the skin.
Many people have low-level benzene exposures in their everyday lives through cigarette smoke, air pollution, and contact with gasoline. However, these commonplace or routine exposures to benzene usually do not have the serious health effects that are associated with the so-called “occupational” exposures to benzene or benzene-containing products that were experienced by various workers in the past.
Exposures to high levels of benzene frequently occurred in a workplace or on a job site in the past, and particular types of workers were more likely to experience unsafe benzene exposures. Long-term inhalation of benzene fumes is how workers experienced their most harmful exposures to benzene and, unfortunately, this was quite common in many different types of industries.
Exposure to substantial amounts of benzene can cause serious health effects, including leukemia as well as other benzene-related cancers and diseases. It is important to keep in mind that the latency period — or “lag time” / delay — from a person’s exposure to benzene in a workplace or on a job site to their diagnosis can range from as little as a few months to as much as 30 years.
Free Case Evaluation
We encourage you to submit a Benzene Case Review – it is free, confidential, and there is no obligation. Or, if you prefer, call 800-426-9535 to speak with attorney Tom Lamb about a possible benzene case. Either way, you will get Mr. Lamb’s impressions — not an intake person, a paralegal, or some other lawyer — about your case based on his many years of experience.
General Background Information
- Benzene Cases Overview
- Benzene-Related Diseases
- Workers Exposed to Benzene
- Benzene Exposure in Industries
- Benzene-Containing Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Benzene Cancer Resources
North Carolina Information
- How to File a North Carolina Benzene Workers Comp Claim
- The Filing Deadline for NC Benzene Workers Comp Claims