Exposure to the toxic chemical benzene is known to cause Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a serious type of blood cancer. Studies show that leukemia is 2.5-times more common in workers with high exposure to benzene.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting benzene exposure lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Exposure Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Benzene and AML Leukemia
Benzene is a toxic chemical that is known to cause Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and several other types of blood cancer, including Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Even low-level exposure to benzene is harmful. It was shown to be toxic in humans over 100 years ago, yet very few products carry safety warnings today.
What is the problem?
The problem is that benzene is one of the most widely-used chemicals in existence. It is a sweet-smelling fume that evaporates off solvents (cleaning agents, degreasers, etc.), paint, glue, ink, plastics, resins, dyes, petroleum, gasoline, crude oil, diesel fuel, cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions, and more.
Occupational Exposure to Benzene
Occupational exposure to benzene is mostly by breathing it in the air, but benzene is also absorbed through the skin. Once inside the body, benzene is metabolized (broken down) and accumulates in the bones. The risk of leukemia from benzene is greatest for people who work in the following industries:
- Auto repair shops
- Mechanics
- Railroad
- Bus garages
- Solvent exposure in chemical industry
- Petroleum refineries
- Oil pipelines
- Ships and tankers
What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer of the bone marrow and blood. In people with AML, the bone marrow (soft tissue in bones where blood cells are made) produces too many white blood cells. These abnormal white blood cells crowd out healthy cells. They do not fight off infections very well because they are immature or damaged.
No Safe Level of Exposure to Benzene, Studies Show
The average estimated risk of leukemia from benzene exposure was 40% out of 15 studies, according to an analysis that was published in 2010. More exposure was associated with a higher risk. The risk of leukemia was 2.5-times higher for people with the most exposure to benzene.
What is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?
AML develops and progresses quickly, but there is also a long-term type of leukemia that is passed down genetically. It is called Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. CML is caused by an abnormal chromosome that causes the overproduction of white blood cells — Ph+ CML (Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia).
Symptoms of Leukemia
The symptoms of leukemia from benzene exposure do not usually appear for several years or decades. When they do, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Losing weight without trying
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Tiny red spots on the skin
- Fever
- Body chills
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
Do I have an Acute Myeloid Leukemia Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting benzene exposure lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Exposure Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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