Benzene Injury Attorney in West Virginia
Solvents, Benzene and Occupational Illness
Solvents are substances which dissolve other substances to form a "solution."
Solvents such as benzene are used in making:
- Adhesives / glues
- Cleaning products
- Dyes
- Detergents
- Ink
- Paint
- Plastics
- Rubber
- Various synthetic fibers and lubricants
- Other chemicals
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.
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.
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.
Benzene 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 plants workers
- Railroad workers
- Chemical plants 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 30 years.
Don't wait to
contact a West Virginia injury lawyer from our team.