Benzene is a natural part of crude oil and can be found in gasoline and diesel fuel. Today, benzene is one of the top 20 chemicals that are being mass produced. It is used to make synthetic products such as plastics. Benzene can also be found in pesticides, degreasers, solvents, drugs, dyes, ink and other products. Workers who are exposed to these products or fumes can be at risk for long-term effects. Many railroad workers have been exposed to benzene via diesel fumes. If you are suffering from effects of benzene exposure, it is time to pursue a diesel exhaust lawsuit.
Pathways of Exposure
You can be exposed to benzene via three different routes: inhalation, dermal and oral. The primary route of exposure is inhalation. The fumes that contain benzene are often invisible. Benzene has a sweet, aromatic odor and if you can smell it, you’re being exposed at a dangerous level. In fact, many medical experts believe that there is no safe level for benzene exposures. Skin exposure and oral ingestion also occur. When workers end up covered in diesel soot, a small amount of benzene in that soot may be absorbed through the skin. Those small daily exposures to soot and grime add up over time.
Short-Term Symptoms
If you have inhaled or swallowed benzene, short-term symptoms are drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and eye, skin and respiratory tract irritations. If your skin is exposed to benzene, you may suffer from redness and blisters around the area that was exposed.
Long-Term Diseases
If you have been inhaling benzene for an extended period of time, you could suffer from blood disorders, distal neuropathy and/or memory loss. Long-term oral exposure has caused death in the past. Benzene is also associated with leukemia, especially acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). It has also been linked with reproductive and developmental effects.
If you have been exposed to benzene and are suffering, it is time to start a diesel exhaust lawsuit with Diesel Injury Law. We will seek justice on your behalf allowing you to concentrate on your medical care.
