Benzene exposure may cause Hairy Cell Leukemia
What is Hairy Cell Leukemia?
Hairy cell leukemia is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. The disease is called hairy cell leukemia because the cancer cells look "hairy" when examined under a microscope.
Hairy cell leukemia affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are made in the bone marrow and other organs. The bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside the large bones in the body. The bone marrow makes red blood cells (which carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which make the blood clot). Lymphocytes also are made in the spleen (an organ in the upper abdomen that makes lymphocytes and filters old blood cells from the blood), the lymph nodes (small bean-shaped organs throughout the body), and other organs. >>
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon. Benzene is a commodity chemical used primarily in the production of plastics and other chemical products. Benzene is also a known human carcinogen. Benzene causes various types of leukemia, lymphoma, and blood diseases.
The first case reports of benzene-induced blood diseases date from 1897. The first report of benzene causing leukemia was published in 1928. In 1948 the American Petroleum Institute published a toxicological review of benzene, noting that benzene causes leukemia and that the only safe level of exposure to benzene is ZERO ppm (parts per million). The first epidemiologic study of benzene among Pliofilm rubber workers showing significantly increased risks of leukemia was published in 1977. Since then, many epidemiologic studies of benzene have been done, which establish benzene as a cause of various human hematologic cancers and diseases. >>
What jobs are most at risk?
Benzene used as a solvent (substance, usually a liquid, capable of dissolving another substance). Because of the health risks, Benzene use was abolished in the 1980's. The problem is that there is still benzene being used in some solvents. The use of benzene as a solvent has been banned in the United States for more than twenty 20 years. Nevertheless, workers who use solvents are still exposed to benzene, because there is some benzene in most petroleum solvents. Workers who handle these petroleum solvents can be exposed to benzene through inhaling or touching it.
Dangerous occupations >>
Legal rights to compensation
Manufacturing companies must take enormous safety precautions for workers handling benzene since only small concentrations can cause Leukemia.
If you have been diagnosed with Leukemia and have worked with benzene, you should consider contacting an attorney to persue your legal rights. >>
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