Benzene is a flammable, colorless, slightly sweet smelling gas that has been used in a wide variety of industries since its discovery in the 19th century. Benzene appears in nature when materials rich in carbon burn, such as wood or coal. Most people are exposed to low levels of benzene in the air from cigarette smoke or car exhaust.
This extremely toxic compound was first found in gas emitted by burning coal. The first use of benzene was in a compound called coal tar used in houses and street lamps. As coal tar became more widely used, scientists and doctors became aware of side effects related to benzene.
History
Because it is an efficient solvent, benzene was first used to degrease delicate mechanical parts. The automobile industry of the early 20th century further utilized benzene as a vital additive to gasoline. Benzene increased the octane rating of gasoline and aided in the elimination of "knocking," a sound that indicates inefficient combustion. The proliferation of the chemical was widespread up until the Second World War, with the introduction of tetraethyl lead as an alternative. After World War II, benzene experienced a rebirth as a primary component of many artificial compounds such as plastic, synthetic rubber, dyes and detergents. Unfortunately, benzene is extremely toxic.
While usually included in products that are safe to use, workers who produce these products often suffer increased occurrences of various types of illness, including leukemia. The Occupational and Safety Administration (OSHA) deems benzene so hazardous that workers may only be exposed to one part per million in an eight-hour workday. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates notification if only ten pounds of benzene is accidentally released or spilled.
The first condition linked to benzene poisoning, aplastic anemia, was discovered in 1897. Aplastic anemia is an umbrella term used for a group of blood related conditions characterized by a drop in, or the suspension of, the production of blood cells.
After the discovery of the DNA molecule in 1958, scientists learned that the shape of benzene allowed it to fit perfectly within the double helix structure of DNA. Once benzene is absorbed by the body, it is quickly picked up by the blood, which in turn carries the toxin through the body's internal systems.
As the exposure levels increase, benzene works its way into the DNA of the bone marrow, where it may cause several cancerous mutations, including leukemia. People who suspect that they have been harmed because of improper exposure to benzene at work or at home should contact their physician.
If you are diagnosed with one of the illnesses mentioned above, you may have a legal right to compensation for your benzene exposure-related injury. It is important that you consult a lawyer as soon as possible. The law imposes a statute of limitations, which varies from state to state, giving you a limited period in which to pursue your legal claim. If you or a loved one have suffered health problems due to benzene exposure, contact an attorney with experience handling benzene claims to discuss your options. |
