
Benzene Claims
Occupational exposure to benzene can cause certain blood-related cancers and conditions, particularly acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Kirin Law Firm respectfully litigates on behalf of victims of benzene exposure in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area, Louisiana and throughout the nation who have been diagnosed with a benzene-related illness.
Our lawyers can help victims of toxic exposures file personal injury claims against manufacturers (of benzene-containing products) and employers that subject workers to unreasonable risk of harm via benzene exposure. Our vigilant team of experienced attorneys will work relentlessly to recover financial compensation for benzene-related injuries, and hold those at fault accountable for their negligent conduct.
What is Benzene?
A colorless and sweet-smelling volatile liquid, benzene is one of the most widely used chemicals in the United States' manufacturing sector. The U.S. produces nearly three billion gallons of pure isolated benzene every year. Primarily functioning as a starting material, benzene is used to manufacture a vast number and variety of American-made products, including:
Plastics | Dyes | Solvents |
Glues | Synthetic rubbers | Paints |
Pesticides | Gasoline products | Petroleum products |
Furniture waxes | Household cleaners | Detergents |
Who is Exposed to Benzene?
Liquid benzene evaporates quickly when exposed to air. People are most commonly exposed by breathing in air that contains benzene vapor. Skin contact with liquid benzene is another, less common route of exposure.
Benzene vapor is a byproduct of car exhaust, gasoline fumes, and cigarette smoke. It's generally more pervasive in the air surrounding areas with high concentrations of industrial emissions. While most everyone in the United States has been exposed to benzene to some degree, people that work hands-on with benzene sustain a much higher risk of harmful exposure. Workers in high-risk industries that are routinely exposed to benzene include:
Adhesive production workers | Mechanics |
Air conditioner installers & repairers | Newspaper deliverers |
Aircraft plant workers | Newspaper press workers |
Auto body painters | Offshore oil workers |
Auto parts store salesmen | Oil field workers |
Automobile manufacturing plant workers | Oil refinery workers |
Carpet manufacturing workers | Painters |
Chemical workers | Paint manufacturing workers |
Coast guard workers | Paper and pulp plant workers |
Dockworkers | Pesticide manufacturers |
Dry Cleaners | Pipe fitters |
Firefighters | Plant Workers |
Furniture finishers | Printers |
Gasoline distribution workers | Railroad workers |
Gas station attendants | Refinery workers |
Home builders | Rubber workers |
House painters | Shoemaking/leather workers |
Hydraulic fracturing workers | Synthetic Rubber workers |
Industrial painters | Tanker men |
Industrial plant workers | Tire builders and tire finishers |
Janitors | Truck drivers |
Laboratory technicians | Wallpaper hangers |
Masons and concrete finishers | X-ray developers/technicians |
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the amount of benzene in the air that is permissible in the workplace, requiring employers to periodically test the air quality and levels of benzene present in the blood of their employees, as well as provide personal safety equipment and clothing to exposed workers.
World-leading authorities on public health & disease classify benzene as carcinogenic to humans.
What Serious Health Risks are Linked to Benzene Exposure?
Based on sufficient evidence from human and animal research, world-leading authorities on public health, cancer, disease prevention, and toxic substances in the environment (e.g. WHO, NIH, CDC, FDA, EPA) have concluded that benzene is carcinogenic to humans.
Experts believe there is no safe level of benzene exposure, meaning that even minor exposures may lead to disease. Repeated exposure to high levels of benzene is known to cause certain types of leukemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow) among other serious diseases, including:
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)
• Hodgkin’s Disease or Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Aplastic Anemia
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Due to the long latency period (the length of time between exposure and the onset of an illness) of most benzene-related diseases, many injured workers are unaware of the connection between their illness and their prolonged exposure to benzene.
Who is Eligible to File a Benzene Claim?
Any individual who was exposed to benzene and later developed a blood cancer (or any adverse condition listed above) may be entitled to recover monetary compensation from an employer and/or manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of isolated benzene or benzene-containing products.
Receive Your Free Attorney Consultation
Call the Kirin Law Firm at
(504) 535-4746
Ask for a free consultation with an experienced benzene injury attorney to evaluate your exposure claim.