Jet Fuel Benzene Exposure and Leukemia Risk
Jet fuel is primarily composed of kerosene and other hydrocarbons, but it also contains trace amounts of benzene. Although benzene itself is not added to jet fuel intentionally, its presence can result from:
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Crude oil sources: Benzene is a naturally occurring constituent of crude oil, the primary feedstock for jet fuel;
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Refining processes: Certain refining methods can lead to the formation or concentration of benzene in fuels; and
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Additive residues: Some fuel additives or blending components may introduce benzene as a byproduct.
Jet fuel generally contains relatively small amounts of benzene. However, even trace levels are significant due to benzene’s health and environmental implications.
Health and Environmental Risks
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as human carcinogen. There is no “safe” level of benzene exposures. Prolonged or excessive exposure to benzene can lead to blood and bone cancers, including:
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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
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Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
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Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
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Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
Who is at Risk and Why?
Airport workers who fuel planes as well as the workers who manage the storage and delivery of jet fuel are most at risk for benzene exposure. Proper personal protective equipment like respirators and rubber gloves can limit benzene exposure.. Regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforce permissible exposure limits for benzene in the workplace. Unfortunately, some employers fail to provide adequate PPE or follow workplace safety requirements.
Experienced Benzene Lawyers
The lawyers at Hughes Law Offices focus on helping clients get compensation from manufacturers of benzene-containing products like jet fuel. The petroleum industry has thousands of attorneys and nearly unlimited resources they use against sick workers. You need experienced attorneys to handle these complex cases. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with leukemia and worked with or around jet fuel, call 1-800-BENZENE for a free consultation today.
