How can Benzene Cause Leukemia?

Benzene is a very useful compound. It is widely used in manufacturing industries to make rubber, adhesives, and a lot of other commercial products like detergents. However, useful as it is, benzene can cause cancer. This substance is a toxin to the central nervous system and is considered to be a 'Category A' carcinogen. When inhaled, ingested, or absorbed by the skin, benzene can cause acute myelogenous leukemia, which is a rare case of cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Benzene can also cause other diseases such as aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, pancytopenia, and the Myelodyplastic Syndrome. Once this compound is absorbed in the blood stream, it mutates cells and turns them into cancer cells. The cancer cells would then work to lower the platelet count as well as the volume of both the red blood cells and white blood cells in the body. Low white blood cells mean weaker immune system. And a low count of red blood cells could restrain the normal functions of body organs.

Gasoline contains a certain percentage of benzene. This is the reason why almost all people are exposed to this toxic substance. However, gasoline attendants and distribution workers are the people who are mostly at risk to acquiring this disease. Refinery workers, pipe fitters, and laborers are highly exposed to them too. They too are the most common candidates of developing occupational diseases such as the ones listed above.

Worse, benzene used in factories can pollute the air and the pipelines. Once it contaminates the air that people breathe and the water that they drink, they also run the same risks of developing the disease like those who are directly working in an environment where there are high levels of benzene.

Being injured by benzene, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is a case that should be taken to the courts. Companies who are using this chemical or are adding them to products should be concerned of its effects to one's health. They should do everything in their power to make sure that no worker or innocent individual will be affected by the harmful nature of benzene. If you think you have been injured by this substance, talk to a benzene lawyer or toxic injury attorney and seek their help. They are capable of analyzing your case and they should know whether or not you can sue in open court and come out victorious.

There are many benzene lawyers in operation today and most of them are willing to work on a contingency basis. Know your rights and fight for them. Health hazards should be removed from the environment. And irresponsible companies should be held liable for them.