Benzene and other industrial solvents are dangerous to humans and animals. These hazardous substances can cause illness by direct contact with the skin or through breathing airborne fumes. Precaution should be taken before hand because once exposure has occurred, it can extremely challenging to reverse the damage done.

Solvents are substances which dissolve other substances to form a “solution.” Solvents such as benzene are used in making:

  • Adhesives and glues
  • Cleaning products
  • Dyes
  • Detergents
  • Ink
  • Paint
  • Plastics
  • Rubber
  • Various synthetic fibers and lubricants
  • Other chemicals

Benzene Exposure in West Virginia

Benzene in particular is known to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends the use of safety gear including respirators for persons working with substances containing benzene. Anyone who has been diagnosed with a blood cancer or other condition which may be caused by exposure to benzene or other solvents should talk with a West Virginia personal injury attorney about the possibility of filing a claim for damages in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits.

Common Types of Benzene Exposure

Working in an industry that uses or manufactures benzene related products causes a great deal of exposure risk to workers. In West Virginia, there is a high incidence of benzene exposure related illnesses such as anemia and leukemia. For 40 years, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights and deserved financial compensation for victims of benzene exposure and other work related diseases. We are passionate about and dedicated to eradicating unsafe working conditions and practices in our local industries.

If you or someone you know has been stricken with these deadly diseases and you believe they may be the result of benzene exposure, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can meet with you and discuss your possible claims. The heavy burden of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering of the affected individual can be fully compensated under the law with a qualified, experienced law firm on your side.

Where Benzene Exposure Occurs

Benzene is ranked as the sixth most hazardous substance on the ATSDR’s (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) list for 2011 after arsenic, lead, vinyl chloride, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. It is produced in large quantities for industrial use. Many workers are unaware of the hazards posed by chemicals in their workplace and unknowingly work with toxic substances on a daily basis.

Those who are likely to be exposed include:

  • People who live close to a plant which expels benzene into the environment
  • Power plant workers
  • Railroad workers
  • Chemical plant employees
  • Refinery employees
  • Mechanics
  • Firefighters
  • Gasoline haulers
  • Rubber workers

​These individuals may develop serious illnesses as a result of exposure to benzene.

Retain a Wheeling Toxic Tort Lawyer

At Hartley Law Group, PLLC, a personal injury lawyer takes care to provide the one-on-one attention that has earned us national recognition in litigating occupational illness and toxic chemical exposure cases. Our legal team has been assisting injured clients and their families to achieve positive outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases for over 40 years. Don’t wait to contact a West Virginia injury lawyer from our team.