Auto Mechanic Benzene Exposure Lawsuit

Automotive mechanics are exposed to the toxic chemical benzene by breathing fumes from degreasers, gasoline, solvents, paint, car emissions, and more. Benzene is known to cause cancers like Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting benzene induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know is an auto worker who was diagnosed with cancer, 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.

Does Benzene Cause Cancer?

Yes. Benzene is a carcinogen that is known to cause several types of cancer, but especially Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), according to the American Cancer Society. This is why exposure to benzene in an auto body shop must be minimized as much as possible if it can’t be eliminated.

Health Risks of Benzene Exposure

Benzene exposure causes cells to not work correctly. For example, bone marrow may not produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Benzene can also damage the immune system by causing the loss of white blood cells that would normally fight off infections.

Benzene and Blood Cancer

The damage benzene causes in the body accumulates over time. Auto workers who are exposed may not even be aware of the cumulative harm from benzene until they are diagnosed with cancer or leukemia. The major long-term effect of benzene exposure is on the blood. It can cause cancers affecting the blood and immune system.

List of Cancers Linked to Benzene

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Multiple Myeloma
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Aplastic Anemia
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
Blood cancers
Childhood leukemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hematologic cancer
Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia

Auto Mechanic Exposure to Benzene

Auto mechanics and people who work in auto body shops are exposed to benzene in so many ways that it is nearly impossible to avoid. Benzene evaporates quickly into the air and the most common exposure is by breathing it in the air. It is also absorbed by the skin. Here are a few common sources of exposure:

Auto Exhaust & Emissions: Benzene is used as a gasoline additive. It is also naturally found in petroleum products like crude oil and diesel fuel. Automotive workers who breathe vehicle exhaust will also breathe benzene, especially if the shop does not have good ventilation.
De-greasers & Cleaning Agents: Benzene is found in solvents (cleaning chemicals that dissolve built-up grease and grime. Mechanics use solvents to degrease engines and repair brakes, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, and carburetors.
Car Paint Jobs: Car paint is another source of benzene exposure. Large amounts of benzene are released into the air as paint dries. Benzene is also found in varnish, clear coat, lacquer, polish, paint thinner, stripper, spot-remover, and more.

What Automotive Products Contain Benzene?

Adhesives
Brake fluid
Butane
Calibrating fluid
Carburetor cleaner
Cigarette smoke
Cleaning agents
Clear coats
Diesel fuel
Engine degreaser
Esso Rust-Ban
Gasoline
Glue
Hydraulic fluid
Lacquer
Lighter fluid
Liquid Wrench
Lubricant
Motor oil
Naphtha
Oil
Paint
Paint thinner
Polish
Rubber cement
Solvents
Sealants
Spot remover
Varnish
Vinyl
Vehicle emissions
And more

Do I have a Auto Mechanic Benzene Exposure Lawsuit?

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.