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Benzene Injury Law

Benzene In Gasoline: Regulations and Leukemia Risk

Benzene is a naturally occurring substance found in crude oil. It is also found in gasoline and pure benzene was once added to gasoline to increase the octane rating. Individuals who have worked with benzene products over long periods of time have developed diseases including:

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    Benzene, Gasoline & Leukemia

    For the past decade, the EPA has limited the percentage of benzene in gasoline to no more than 1.3%. Even in trace amounts, however, benzene is dangerous and can pose health risks, and there is no safe exposure level to a carcinogen like benzene. Prolonged exposure to any amount can lead to dangerous health conditions, including cancer.

    A colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, gasoline-like odor, benzene has a high evaporation rate when exposed to air, so it is easily inhaled. Benzene is a common by-product in the manufacturing of synthetic fibers, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.  As a result, workers in those industries are at increased risk for occupational cancers caused by benzene, such as acute myeloid leukemia.

    Benzene is also a carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbon, and is classified as a group one carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It shares this ranking with other dangerous carcinogens including asbestos and plutonium.

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    Benzene Exposures Through Fuels

    Dangerous levels of benzene can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested, and the associated risks increase with long term exposure. The most common exposure is inhalation from being around raw fuel vapors and vehicle exhaust. Studies have shown that long term exposures to low concentrations of benzene can be more harmful than short term exposure to higher concentrations.

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    Dermal benzene exposure is common, as well, since many of our clients work with petroleum-based products like gasoline and diesel fuel. Once benzene penetrates the skin, it is absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of leukemia and other health issues. For this reason it is important to keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered.

    Ingestion of benzene is less common but it does happen, typically when someone has handled a benzene product and didn’t follow up with handwashing. Ingestion of benzene is far more damaging, as the stomach more readily absorbs benzene than the skin or lungs.

    High Risk Jobs

    Because benzene is found in so many gasolines and fuels, and these products are so widely used in the U.S., people who work in the following fields are at high risk of benzene exposure and subsequently leukemia:

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    If you’ve developed leukemia and spent any time in these or similar professions, you may have a benzene claim. We typically target the manufacturers of the benzene-containing products and the land-owners where the exposures occurred. We highly recommend reaching out to an attorney to get help easing the hardships you may have faced as a result of the diagnosis and treatment.

    Experienced Benzene Attorneys

    Benzene fuel cases are complex, and they require the skill and attention of a benzene attorney for a successful outcome. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after long-term exposure to benzene, please call our office to schedule your free case evaluation. Call 1-800-BENZENE today.

    Worked in One of These Industries and Later Diagnosed with a Blood Disorder?

    Call Us Now 1 (800) BENZENE 1 (800) 236-9363 Find Out If You Have a Benzene Exposure Case

    Hear From Workers and Families We've Helped

    Client Testimonials

    Every benzene exposure case is unique, but one thing remains the same: workers and their families deserve experienced legal representation, honest communication, and compassionate guidance throughout the process. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and grateful they’ve shared their experiences.

    53 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago IL 60604 US
    (800) 236-9363
    5/5 based on 4 reviews

    Above and Beyond

    The attorneys at Hughes Law Offices go above and beyond and they care about the client. Tom Guillen was always responsive and professional. He was there from the first phone call until they settled my case. I am happy with the result and would recommend them to anyone who was exposed to benzene and later developed leukemia.

    Detailed Approach

    I was impressed by their detailed approach and their ability to do the necessary research to handle my case. Tom Guillen and the lawyers at Hughes Law Offices always answered our questions and helped us understand the process. I was also happy with the way Tom was right there by my side when I had to go in for a deposition. He made sure that my words did not get twisted by the defense lawyers. My wife and I are happy with what they did for us.

    Trustworthy

    Tom Guillen was there whenever I needed him. The lawyers at his firm are trustworthy and I would recommend them to others. It was clear to me that they had the necessary experience. I am happy with the results of my benzene lawsuit.

    Always Respectful

    Tom Guillen helped me through the litigation process. He was there to answer any question I had and was always respectful of my concerns. I will always appreciate how determined he was to help my family.

    Verdicts and Settlements

    Survey of Benzene

    Hughes Law Offices is providing case histories to inform visitors about actual case fact patterns and rulings.
    Unless specifically noted, the cases summarized herein were not handled by attorneys at Hughes Law Offices.     See All Verdicts

    Verdict

    $3.2M

    Helper/rigger/leadman on barges diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia via benzene exposure. Plaintiff exposed to benzene via solvents used to clean tools. Employer provided the solvents. Older versions of Liquid Wrench contained high mixtures of benzene.

    Verdict

    $7.5M

    Gasoline tanker truck driver diagnosed with blood cancer following years of benzene exposure at defendant’s premises. Benzene was component of the fuel that he was loading and hauling.

    Verdict

    $5.8M

    Plaintiff had a 39-year career with Sabine Towing. Throughout his career, plaintiff held various positions, including seaman, quartermaster, boatswain, third mate, second mate, chief mate and master..

    Verdict

    $8.0M

    Able-bodied seaman diagnosed with kidney cancer as a result of exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons while loading and discharging crude oil and other products, cleaning tanks and measuring tank levels.

    Verdict

    $3.5M

    In his 30s at the time, decedent was a contracted tanker truck driver who regularly transported toxic products. As a result, he was regularly exposed to chemicals containing benzene.

    Settlement

    $1.5M

    Plaintiff’s decedent had worked as a pump man aboard various tankers in the early 1970s and early 1980s where he was exposed to benzene. In 1994, about 15 years since his last exposure to benzene, the decedent was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

    Find Out If Your Illness May Be Related to Benzene Exposure

    If you have been diagnosed with leukemia, MDS, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or another serious blood or bone marrow disorder after working with fuels, solvents, degreasers, or other products that may have exposed you to benzene, Hughes Law Offices can evaluate your potential claim.
    Call Us Now 1 (800) BENZENE Find Out If You Have a Benzene Exposure Case