- Chemical workers
- Painters
- Rubber workers
- Shoe/ leather workers
- Paper workers
- Printers
- Pulp manufacturing workers
- Newspaper press workers
- Adhesive product workers
- Oil refinery workers
- Wood stain manufacturing workers
- Varnish manufacturing workers
- Pesticide manufacturing workers
- Industrial plant workers
- Gasoline distribution workers
Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
You Have Rights - Get Legal Help Today.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, you are likely aware that this type of cancer is usually due to Benzene exposure either through your job or from the environment. If you were exposed to Benzene and developed leukemia, you have valuable legal rights and are urged to contact Mark & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation about your potential case. Call 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or fill out the form at the right. Our toxic exposure attorneys will help you and your family receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Weakness
- Abnormal bleeding
- Excessive bruising
- Bone or joint pain
- Noticeable Weight loss
- Infection and/ or fever
- Enlarged spleen and liver
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain or "fullness"
Types of Leukemia Linked to Benzene Exposure
Benzene exposure has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of leukemia, a type of cancer affecting the cells that create blood in the bone marrow and then spreading to the blood and in some cases other parts of the body. AML , CLL and other blood cancers are typically treated with chemotherapy, or doses of cancer-fighting medications. AML and CLL affect the blood stem cells. In AML, the stem cells intended to become myeloblasts, red blood cells or platelets may be affected. In CLL, the lymphoid stem cells which become lymphoblasts and then B-cells, T-cells, or NK-cells, may be affected.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
The primary type of leukemia linked with Benzene exposure is called Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML. It is also sometimes referred to by these names: acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. This type of leukemia progresses quickly and starts in early forms of myeloid cells including white blood cells, red blood cells (except lymphocytes), or platelet-making cells.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Benzene exposure may also be linked with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, or CLL. This type of leukemia progresses over a longer period of time than acute leukemias. CLL starts in early forms of lymphocytes, which are types of white blood cells (B cells and T cells) that comprise lymphoid tissue.
What is Benzene?
Benzene (Benzol) is a liquid chemical used as a solvent in the creation of other chemicals. It is also used in gasoline and is found in cigarettes. Benzene is used as a solvent and can be found in certain rubbers, glues, furniture waxes, adhesives, plastics, detergents, pesticides, explosives, dyes and inks. Benzene may be referred to by any of these derivative names: Benzol 90, Pyrobenzol, Polystream, Coal naphtha and Phene. Benzene is colorless, flammable, has a sweet odor and evaporates quickly. Billions of pounds of Benzene are produced each year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies classify Benzene as a known carcinogen; exposure to Benzene is linked with a decrease in red blood cells and anemia as well as certain types of leukemia which are life-threatening.
Who is at Risk for Leukemia from Benzene Exposure?
Those who have been exposed to Benzene either through inhalation or skin contact are at a higher risk for developing AML, and to some extent, CLL. Inhalation is the primary way that Benzene enters the body. The following groups of people are at a higher risk of Benzene exposure:
Those who work with Benzene
- Workers in the rubber industry
- Workers in oil refineries
- Workers in chemical plants
- Workers in shoe factories
- Workers in the oil/gasoline industry
Those who have inhaled gas fumes
Those who live or work near an area where Benzene has been released into the air or water or around hazardous waste sites
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