When it comes to America’s energy policy, one of the hottest topics of debate these days is the process known as “hydraulic fracturing” or “fracking.”
Fracking involved pumping chemically-treated water underground to break up subterranean rock formations and release natural gases. Drilling operations employ the method along the Marcellus Shale – a gas-rich underground rock formation that extends into New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
One of the reasons it’s so controversial is because the water used in fracking contains toxic chemicals, including benzene.
Benzene is a known carcinogen, which means it can cause specific types of cancer. Workers exposed to significant quantities of benzene are at risk, and may be eligible for compensation.
According to the Center for Disease Control, exposure to benzene through ingestion or inhalation can lead to the following symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Unconsciousness
- Death
Long-term effects can be much more severe. Some women who inhaled high levels of benzene had a decrease in the size of their ovaries and irregular menstrual cycles. Although it is still unknown if benzene causes birth defects in humans, studies on animals have shown that exposure leads to low birth weight, delayed bone formation and bone marrow damage. In laboratories, benzene has been shown to cause chromosome changes in bone marrow cells that are commonly found in human leukemia cells.
Lopez McHugh fracking attorneys are investigating injuries related to natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserve.
How Do I Contact a Fracking Attorney?
People who have been exposed to benzene should understand the legal remedies available to them. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of benzene exposure, you may be able to recover damages. Please contact Lopez McHugh for a FREE consultation with a qualified and trusted fracking attorney who can answer your questions and ensure your legal rights are protected. Call today because if you wait too long, you may be barred from recovering for your injuries by your state’s time limits.
If you have significant injuries, contact a Lopez McHugh attorney for a free evaluation.
