Pressman/Printers

Pressman/Printers & Benzene 

Pressmen and printers routinely came into contact with benzene-containing inks, ink solvents and washes. As a result of those benzene exposures, employees who worked in the printing industry are at an elevated risk for developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Benzene is a known carcinogen, and there is no safe level of benzene exposure. 

Oncologists rarely ask whether you worked around benzene. However, if you cleaned the presses, you were likely being exposed to benzene. Blanket washes and roller washes have contained benzene. Other common ways that pressmen would be exposed to benzene include evaporation from ink fountains, the paper post-exit, the paper web and filling fountains.  Historically, many workers in the printing industry actually washed their hands with benzene-containing solvents. These exposures can cause AML and MDS. 

Pressman/Printers & Benzene – Verdicts & Settlements

$840,000 verdict (Pennsylvania, 2016)

The Plaintiff, a printer in his mid-50s, sued US Steel after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. The Plaintiff alleged that US Steel manufactured benzene and that the benzene was a component of the inks and solvents he used between 1973 and 2006. He argued that US Steel was aware of the dangers of benzene in the early 1950s, but kept that information from the public and end users. The Jury determined that US Steel was recklessly indifferent to the rights and/or safety of others. The jury also found that US Steel fraudulently concealed important information about the dangers of its benzene. The Plaintiff sued other makers and sellers of benzene containing inks and solvents. Some of those other Defendants settled before trial or were dismissed. 

$1,800,000 aggregate settlement (California, 2009)

The 60-year-old Decadent developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after a 33-year career in the printing industry. During his time working as a lithographic printer, he was exposed to a variety of benzene-containing inks and solvents. The Decedent’s estate named more than 60 defendants and 1,266 products that they alleged caused the Decedent’s illness. One by one, the Defendant’s began to settle, culminating in a total settlement value of over $1.8 million.

Confidential settlement (Texas, 2007)

The Plaintiff worked as a pressman at the Frankston Packaging Co. Plaintiff was diagnosed with refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS). He alleged his diagnosis was a result of being exposed to benzene-containing blanket washes, press washes, varnish removers, plate cleaners, roller washers and other solvents and chemicals that were manufactured by the various defendants.

$975,000 settlement (California, 2006)

The 58-year-old Plaintiff developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after being exposed to benzene in the many inks and solvents he encountered during his 37-year career in the printing industry. During this time he worked as a press operator and in other roles within the industry. 

$600,000 settlement (California, 2005) 

The Plaintiff, age 29, worked as a silk screen printer for four years. During this time, he was exposed to numerous paints and solvents that contained benzene. As a result of his benzene exposure, he suffered serious injuries to his internal organs, including thrombocytopenic purpura, which required him to undergo a splenectomy. The Plaintiff agreed to settle with the Defendants for a total amount exceeding $600,000. 

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

The companies that produced, sold and utilized these benzene-containing products were aware of the dangers., and they waited decades before warning the users. If you worked with or around benzene-containing inks, ink solvents, or washes and have developed a blood or bone cancer, please contact an experienced benzene lawyer at 1-800-BENZENE. You may have a claim against the manufacturers of the products.