Despite government agencies and companies becoming more aware of the dangers of benzene, the toxic chemical is still wreaking havoc on people and the health of cities and waterways.
Benzene is most often found in paint and solvents, dyes and ink, detergents, and gasoline. Benzene exposure is higher when working in manufacturing industries with petroleum, coal, steel, rubber and plastics, paint products and ink, and dry cleaning. These industries in Connecticut need to take precautions to ensure the safety of their workers and communities.
If not protected, benzene can cause cancer and leukemia, among other ills. Nearby states of Pennsylvania and Delaware have been in the news recently for industrial sites that leaked benzene into waterways and contaminated wells. Concentrations in Delaware City near the Potomac found benzene concentrations 5,200 times higher than levels deemed safe by the EPA.
Be aware of the signs of exposure, including headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, convulsions, tremors, irregular heartbeat as well as irritation with the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Seek medical expertise early on, as long terms effects beyond leukemia and cancer can lead to infertility and blood disorders.
Oftentimes, companies are lax to admit wrongdoing or the government has not conducted testing to confirm the high levels of benzene. A person also does have a number of legal options to recover financial compensation for their medical costs as well as lost wages and future needs. Life-changing personal injury and loss matters are very serious, so an experienced personal injury attorney will uphold an individual’s and family’s rights to go after those who caused the negligence and recklessness.
Benzene is a light-colored substance with a sweet smell that evaporates when heated. Exposure can be detected by breath, blood, and urine samples and should be tested quickly after exposure to benzene. Benzene converts to metabolites in the body, thus why it needs to be tested shortly after exposure as metabolites are also produced by other causes in the body.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration is charged with regulating health and safety in the workplace. OSHA says benzene exposure should be limited to one part per million during a typical workday and a maximum of five parts per million during a 15 minute period. If levels are higher, OSHA says employers must provide workers with respirators and other protective equipment.
The Connecticut personal injury law firm of Stratton Faxon is a highly experienced team of lawyers who fight for their client’s rights. Their successful track record to help clients seek compensation from companies and individuals that have caused the pain and suffering is lauded by their peers and clients. Two dedicated trial lawyers, Michael A. Stratton and Joel T. Faxon, who have been named Connecticut Super Lawyers many years in a row, founded the firm.
Alexandra Reed writes for Connecticut personal injury law firm, Stratton Faxon. Contact Stratton Faxon to speak with a Connecticut accident lawyer about your personal injury, wrongful death, or Connecticut malpractice case. To learn more, visit Strattonfaxon.com.
