Benzene is a chemical known to cause cancer. It is a colorless liquid that has a somewhat sweet fragrance, and it is formed from natural processes of the earth, such as with volcanic activity and forest fires.

However, most benzene exposure linked to cancer is a result of human activity.

Benzene is a component of crude oil as well as gasoline. It’s present in motor vehicle exhaust and in cigarette smoke. It is among the top 20 most commonly used chemicals in the U.S.

Benzene is primarily used to make other chemicals, such as pesticides, lubricants, plastics, rubbers, detergents, drugs and dyes, and it used to be an additive of gasoline.

It was also formerly used as an industrial solvent meant to dissolve or extract other substances.

Benzene is currently regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency for exposures in air and water as well as industry emissions.

Side Effects of Benzene Exposure

Most benzene exposure results from breathing in air that is contaminated with benzene. It is also sometimes absorbed through the skin, but because it is a liquid that operates quickly, skin exposure is less common.

People can be exposed to benzene at their workplace, such as chemical plants, oil refineries, rubber industries and shoe manufacturers. Gas station employees, firefighters, steelworkers, lab technicians and printers may also be exposed to benzene.

Persons can also be exposed in the community from automobile exhaust and factory emissions, around cigarette smokers and from contaminated food and water.

Exposure to benzene can cause both short-term effects as well as long-term effects. Short-term effects of benzene exposure affect the nervous system, and can lead to headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, tremors or even unconsciousness.

Long-term exposure to a chemical negatively affects the bone marrow of the body. The bone marrow is the soft inner part of the bone where new blood cells are made.

Benzene exposure in the long term can result in anemia, which is a low red blood cell count; a low platelet count, which can lead to excess bleeding and bruising; or a low white blood cell count, which can impair the body’s ability to fight infections.

Studies Show Benzene Exposure Linked to Cancer

A number of research studies have shown an association between benzene exposure and cancer. These studies have been conducted both on humans as well as lab animals, and many studies center around leukemia and other cancers of the blood cells.

Workers who have been exposed to high levels of benzene have been linked with an increased risk of developing leukemia – particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Benzene exposure has also been linked to childhood leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and additional blood related cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma in adults.

Other studies suggest that additional cancers have also been linked to benzene exposure, such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, throat cancer and other cancers.

Railroad Workers Suffer from Benzene Exposure Linked to Cancer

Railroad workers are often exposed to benzene as part of their job. However, they may not be aware of the link between benzene exposure and cancer.

While benzene has been banned and withdrawn from consumer products since 1978, it is still used in industrial applications and in railroad construction and may pose a huge threat to railroad workers both past and present.

Filing a Lawsuit over Benzene Exposure Linked to Cancer

If you have suffered from benzene exposure linked to cancer as a result of your work on railroads, you may be entitled to legal compensation as a result of your injuries.

Railroad injury lawsuits often allege that employers violated the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), legislation that allows workers who were exposed unsafe work environments to seek compensation.

Railroad workers who were diagnosed with cancer from 2013 through 2016 who were employed for at least five years may qualify for a railroad worker cancer lawsuit. An experienced attorney can review your case at no charge to you to see if you qualify to file a railroad worker cancer lawsuit.