Washington Benzene Attorney - Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Benzene is a chemical compound that's been proven to be toxic when it's exposed to humans. It wasn't linked to health problems for decades, however, and since its discovery in the early part of the 19th Century, it has been used in a variety of ways, including aftershave, perfume, as a metal degreaser and as an anti-knocking additive in common gasoline. However, since its discovery, its use has declined precipitously.

That does not mean that there still are not many people who suffer from the effects of exposure to benzene. The health problems that result can be devastating, and below you'll find information regarding how benzene exposure attacks the human body, the common symptoms associated with this exposure, how exposure tends to occur and how you should proceed if you or someone you love has been harmed because of exposure to benzene.

Benzene Exposure - How it Attacks the Body

Historically, people have been exposed to benzene in three common ways:
  • Inhalation
  • Ingestion
  • Trans-dermal absorption
Each of these methods of exposure is tied to different uses of benzene, but one common thread in regards to this issue is that most people need to be exposed to this substance at high levels for a period of time. As a result of contact with benzene, people can suffer from the effects of it in several ways, including:
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Chronic headaches
  • Muscle twitching
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Unconsciousness
  • Death
As the reactionary symptoms to exposure would suggest, exposure to benzene attacks the brain and the central nervous system as well as the blood. The brain and central nervous system in particular are two areas of the body that tend to create uncertainty in terms of diagnoses and treatment options.

Benzene Exposure - The Most Serious Consequence

Although each of the benzene exposure side effects listed above are quite serious in nature, one common link between this substance and the medical fallout is not only the most confusing, but is also the most dangerous. This is the link between benzene exposure and the tendency to develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

AML sufferers are known to suffer from abnormal blood cell production in their bone marrow. This deficiency leaves patients vulnerable to any infections that are related to a suppressed immune system as well as the pain and suffering that accompanies AML. What's even more troubling is that it does not appear to matter how the patient was exposed to benzene. Ingestion, inhalation and trans-dermal absorption exposure victims have all developed AML to a degree that such a link does not appear to differentiate between these modes of exposure.

Symptoms of AML Caused by Benzene Exposure

AML is most often diagnosed in patients who are more than 70 years of age, and it attacks the bone marrow of the patient and reduces blood cell protection. Common symptoms associated with AML include:
  • Anemia
  • Easy bruising
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Bleeding
  • Repeated infections
  • Weight loss
  • Weight gain
Often times, AML is diagnosed well after the disease has progressed to a dangerous stage, and as a result the mortality rate for AML, especially when coupled with the high average age of patients who are diagnosed, is quite high.

At-Risk Behaviors for Benzene Exposure

Like almost any toxic substance, there are certain activities and occupations that tend to create a higher degree of risk in terms of exposure than others. A few examples of these behaviors appear below:
  • Drinking ground water with high levels of benzene
  • Eating foods that contain benzene
  • Inhaling indoor air filled with fumes from substances such as glue and paint
  • Living or working near hazardous waste sites
  • Living or working near gas stations
  • Industrial occupations
  • Tobacco smoke exposure
The Environmental Protection Agency has set out strict guidelines and monitors ground water and soil in thousands of locations to make sure that the levels of benzene do not reach dangerous levels, but this is not always practical, especially in remote and/or rural areas.

Benzene Exposure Lawsuit - Contact An Attorney

As you see, exposure to benzene can lead to deadly results. If you have suffered from this exposure and you feel it was the result of someone else's negligence or recklessness, you may have legal rights and options at your disposal. Contact the benzene exposure lawyers at the law firm of Phillips Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.
 



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