According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the carcinogenic compound benzene has both natural and man-made sources.
Natural sources include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is frequently used in an industrial setting, as part of the manufacturing process for plastics, resins, nylon, detergents and pesticides.
But there are other ways you could be exposed:
- Outdoor air contains low levels of benzene from tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.
- Indoor air generally contains levels of benzene higher than those in outdoor air. The benzene in indoor air comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.
- The air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations can contain higher levels of benzene.
- Benzene leaks from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing benzene can contaminate well water.
- People working in industries that make or use benzene may be exposed to the highest levels.
- A major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke.
Unfortunately, benzene is linked to some forms of leukemia. If you believe you’ve been harmed by exposure to benzene, contact Lopez McHugh for a free case evaluation.
See more about benzene here:
https://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp
