Benzene Leukemia Law Blog

Benzene Problems in Fort Worth

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:45:15 -0500

Reports claim that officials in Fort Worth, Texas, are getting ready to take action regarding the recent reports of high levels of benzene in the air. The the cancer-causing chemical has reportedly been infesting the surrounding Barnett Shale natural gas facilities.City leaders are concerned that the air quality is not only harming the environment but is also causing physical harm to the local residents living in and around the Fort Worth area. They say that they are now ready to take action in order to protect the citizens of Texas.

"I don't think we can wait," says council member Kathleen Hicks, referring to the time it may take to have a thorough examination of the environmental impact the benzene has had on Fort Worth.

Hicks says she is concerned after hearing that infrared cameras near some gas facilities in the Barnett Shale found high levels of benzene.

"I think this is something we need to deal with as soon as possible," she told reporters.

Benzene Exposure Remains a Concern

Benzene is a highly toxic chemical that can lead to the development of leukemia and other rare blood disorders if inhaled or ingested over time. Several benzene exposure lawsuits have been filed across the country in recent months with the help of a benzene attorney and city officials are hoping it won't come to this in their community. At a recent Forth Worth City Council meeting Hicks, along with Mayor Mike Moncrief, supposedly directed city staffers to put together a report on what's known about benzene emissions. Some of the questions include:

Who should be testing the air?
What are other cities are doing to protect their citizens?

One example that was brought to the attention of local residents and some city council members was that in nearby Colleyville officials are considering requiring air quality sampling be done during all phases of the gas drilling process as a precaution to prevent benzene exposure. This will also require conditions to be met before drilling permits are given out.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality investigators have been taking more air samples throughout the week. They are expected to give a complete report of what they discover in terms of the levels of benzene in air by the end of the year.

Answers Still Sought in Divide Creek Seep

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:01:37 -0500

Commissioners in Garfield County, Colorado continue to seek answers from the state regarding what has appeared to be many lapses in oil and gas drilling enforcement for water contamination problems. Commissioners met to discuss the situation earlier this week as to how they were going to demand more answers in regards to the West Divide Creek benzene and methane leak that occured in 2004.

According to county consultant Dr. Geoffrey Thyne, the seep that happened at West Divide Creek may not be able to be fully contained with repairs from EnCana. Many residents and officials also worry that the benzene and other toxic chemical issues in the area will not be limited to one well drilled by the company.

Leak Causes Benzene Exposure

The seep reportedly contained so much benzene and other chemicals property owner Lisa Bracken was able to light the creek water on fire in 2004. Government officials claim that since this time the benzene levels at the creek have lowered, however there is still cause for concern in terms of residents becoming the victims of benzene exposure. According to environmentalists and local officials, the methane levels have remained consistent since 2004 which is also alarming to those who living in the area and in terms of the safety of the environment.

The seep all is thought to have occured when hydraulic fracturing increased around the area. Hydraulic fracturing is when chemicals like benzene are injected into the sand and water into gas wells in order to free up more natural gas. However, this technique has been put in question due to situations like this since more research needs to be done regarding how the chemicals communicate with groundwater supplies.

Two Republican members of the Garfield County commissioners are now looking to Governor Bill Ritter’s COGC for answers about the recent water quality concerns relating to the oil and gas industry. they have more recently been criticized for failing to pass a bill that would require EPA to gain more control over hydraulic fracturing in the area.

Lawsuit Filed Over Toxic Pits

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:59:17 -0500

Jeffrey Cox is a U.S. soldier who recently spent two years in Iraq as a combat stress social worker in the Army Reserve. During this time he says he developed a chronic cough. The cough and his faltering health are thought to be the result of a toxic burn pit in Balad and Cox is now taking action to ensure other soldiers to encounter the same health problems when they return from the war.

"I don't have an oxygen tank that I carry around, but it affects me," Cox tells reporters. "Everybody that knows me has heard my cough."

According to Cox heavy smoke that was consistently being emitted from the massive burn pits commonly filled his base and exposed soldiers to toxic fumes like benzene.

"You'd sit in there and breathe that in all day. The smoke was so thick some days that it went right into where I was sleeping. It was like a heavy fog of smoke," says Cox.

Soldier Takes Action with a Benzene Lawsuit

Cox recently filed a lawsuit against Halliburton and KBR claiming that the two companies used the pits as dumping ground for unwanted materials, many which were toxic, and ranged from human corpses to plastic foam and bottles.

Everything was reportedly lit on fire and produced toxic fumes and flames that shot hundreds of feet into the sky. Cox says this toxic smoke infested the nearby living quarters where American soldiers and government contractors resided.

Cox and a fellow soldier, James Garland of Osterville, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of carcinoma, filed the lawsuit together. Another 34 lawsuits concerning cancer diagnoses and other health problems from the same pits have also been filed. The benzene lawsuit claims that Halliburton and KBR were negligent with how they dealt with the pits. Some soldiers have even lost their lives from acute myeloid leukemia due to their exposure to the toxic fumes on base.

PA Suit Claims Drilling Causing Water Contamination

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:10:01 -0500

A landowner in Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit against a local energy company claiming the natural gas drilling they are currently doing is causing the water, air and overall environment to be polluted with benzene and other toxic chemicals.

George Zimmermann is the owner of 480 acres in Washington County, Pennsylvania. He claims that Atlas Energy Inc. has ruined his land with their recent drilling project and put the environment, as well as the community, at risk of benzene exposure.

Water Tests Find High Levels of Benzene

According to reports, water tests were recently conducted at three locations by gas wells located on Zimmermann's property. The tests found seven chemicals that could potentially cause cancer, to be infesting the water. Researchers claim the level of carcinogens like benzene that was discovered in the water was well above "screening levels" set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Testers also concluded that more studies and testing needed to be done on Zimmermann's land.

Atlas officials claim that these accusations linking them to the land contamination are ridiculous, but Zimmerman intends on vigorously defending himself, and his land, in court. But Zimmermann says he has evidence that chemicals used by Atlas contaminated his land.

"There are substances that can't be made by nature and that's what's in the ground," Zimmerman told reports.

Drilling Conducted Poses Threat

Atlas is reportedly exploiting the Marcellus Shale, which is a vast gas reserve that underlies an estimated two-thirds of Pennsylvania, as well as portions of West Virginia, Ohio and New York State. Researchers believe that the project contains enough natural gas to meet the U.S. demand for at least a decade.

Zimmerman claims that in recent months water tests found chemicals at 2,600 times acceptable levels, benzene at 44 times above limits and naphthalene five times federal standards.
Benzene and the other chemicals found can cause serious illnesses like leukemia and can also damage the immune, nervous and respiratory systems when ingested or inhaled over. Zimmerman hopes the lawsuit will stop the drilling from affecting his land and he will be reimbursed for any land renovations needed.

Former NBA Star Diagnosed with Leukemia

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:44:07 -0500

According to recent reports, former UCLA American and NBA star athlete, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 62, recently publicly announced that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Abdul-Jabbar, who is known for being a private celebrity, was reportedly diagnosed last December but chose not to publicly talk about his fight with cancer until now. He tells reporters that he decided to go public about his health in order to help others who are also living with leukemia and other forms of cancer.

The type of leukemia diagnosis Abdul-Jabbar received is known as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood that can be caused by benzene exposure and is one of the many cancers that doctors and researchers have not yet found a cure for. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is currently working as a special assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and says he is now taking oral medication to help treat his disease.

Background on Leukemia

Leukemia affects the blood cells in the body and can affect adults and children alike. When a person is diagnosed with leukemia it means their bone marrow is producing abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white cells are known as leukemia cells. The white blood cells in the body are there to help fight off infection. Therefore, when someone receives a leukemia diagnosis it means they are at higher risk of infection since their white blood cells are not working properly.

Leukemia risk factors

One common risk regarding leukemia is radiation. Radiation can often cause acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, or acute lymphocytic leukemia. Studies and research have also linked many types of leukemia to benzene exposure. Benzene leukemia can be caused when someone inhales or ingests benzene, a toxic chemical that is added into gasoline, over an extended period of time. Though there is currently no cure for leukemia, there are ways to prevent and treat the disease.

Texaco Still Tends to Benzene Ridden Site

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:22:06 -0500

According to reports, it's been more than 50 years since the Fillmore oil refinery closed, but Texaco is still in the process of cleaning the contaminated soil and groundwater of that surrounding the Superfund site. The air, water, and soil is reportedly soaked in benzene and other toxic contaminants, posing a threat to the people and environment living near the site.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EOA) officials claim Texaco and its parent company, Chevron, have been working vigorously on cleaning up the site, which is located just east of Fillmore's downtown. However, there are still high levels of benzene that have been detected in the water and soil. This week EPA officials reportedly asked Texaco to take the next steps necessary to eliminate the problem as quickly as possible.

Harmful Chemicals Still Plague Site

Due to the dynamics of the water table, compounds like benzene, which have been linked to the development of leukemia and other cancers of the blood, reportedly don't pose a threat to drinking water in the community, says EPA project manager Holly Hadlock. But she does not that the site still needs to be cleaned up.

"With these levels of contamination in the soil, there is no immediate threat to anyone's health but for a long-term use they are above levels we want," explains Hadlock.

It's been years since Texaco first started the process of extracting the contaminated water from the site. However, even with all their supposed efforts, the water and soil at the site is still said to be highly contaminated. Hadlock says that a major problem is that the soil has a lot of clay, which is making it hard to extract all of the benzene from the ecosystem.

With the recent push from the EPA, Texaco now has is being forced to submit a plan on how they plan on removing the benzene by next year. Although, this ongoing cleanup process is expected to take several more years.

Soda Contains Benzene and Linked to Kidney Problems

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:26:48 -0500

Even though diet sodas may keep your calorie count and sugar intake down, recent studies have reportedly linked the tasty beverages to a reduction in kidney functioning.Research shows that sodas may, in fact, double the risk of kidney function decline.

Research Seeks Truth Behind Soda

The research reportedly analyzed women who consumed two or more diet sodas each day. Researchers found and found that these women experienced a 30 percent decrease in “a measure of kidney function” based on a large follow-up. This research was just recently presented at the yearly meeting of the American Society of Nephrology in San Diego, California.

The 3,256 female participants involved in the study were asked to provide dietary details, including whether or not what they ingested other forms of sweet drinks, such as sugar-sweetened drinks, sugar-sweetened soda, and artificially sweetened soda.

According to reports stemming from the Nephrology Society, an estimated 20 million of those living in the United States experience “some evidence of chronic kidney disease." The disease diagnoses have also reportedly doubled in the past 20 years.

Past Studies Link Soda with Benzene

This isn't the first time soda has received negative media attention. In the past doctors and researchers warned about daily consumption of sodas (of all varieties) in relation to benzene exposure. Past studies discovered high levels of benzene, which is a known carcinogen and the cause of rare blood disorders like leukemia, in many of America's most popular soft drinks.

The source of benzene contamination in commercially produced drinks is typically the result of a few chemical reactions between ingredients blended together in the drinks.Until more research is conducted on the safety of consuming soft drinks on a daily basis, both for your kidneys and to prevent cancer, researchers are advising people to lay low on sodas and opt for juices to get a sugar fix instead.

Cancer Society Puts Focus on Benzene Exposure

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:05:11 -0500

Even though several carcinogens, such asbenzene, have been removed from working and living environments, in many areas risk of exposure is still high. Many potential hazards remain in building materials, additives or contaminants in the food we eat and water we drink. There is also high risk of exposure to toxins in the pollutants, both indoors, that can affect our health daily. The American Cancer Society (ASC) recently publicly reported this in their major statement regarding environmental dangers.

The statement served as part of an ACS program to learn about the links between pollution and cancer. The statement set out to outline the ASC's methods, goals, and overall role in the prevention of releasing toxic chemicals into our air and water.

ASC Takes Action Against Pollution

The ASC's latest project geared toward pollution prevention reportedly focuses on hazards in the environment that began emerge during a time when there was a severe increase in industrialization in the early 20th century.

According to reports, the chemicals the organization are most worried about include everything from naturally occurring substances like asbestos to products taken from natural sources like benzene, along with created chemicals like vinyl chloride.

In their statement, the ACS noted that they rely heavily on the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to help them identify carcinogenic substances that pose a threat to human beings and the environment.

The ACS is continuously working to support efforts to improve toxicity testing and get better and constant screening for chemicals, this being a process that began in the 1960s, when research linked asbestos to lung cancer and mesothelioma and benzene was found to cause leukemia and other cancers of the blood.

"Continuing this tradition, a key ACS objective in the current national debate on healthcare is to integrate scientifically based prevention services into standard medical care," they added.

U.S. Steel to Begin Ridding Water of Benzene

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:18:54 -0500

According to recent reports U.S. Steel Gary Works is in the works to start what will be an ongoing treatment project to rid water of the toxic chemical, benzene. The project is focused on the benzene-laden groundwater leaking into Lake Michigan. Researchers believe that the best way to prevent contaminants from entering the lake is to begin treating the water from north of the U.S. Steel coke plant. The project is expected to begin by the end of this month.

Action Taken to Rid Water of Benzene

It was this past August when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the plan proposed by U.S. Steel in an attempt to treat the groundwater in a local well system. The plan reportedly involves testing the system during and after startup to ensure that all is working as it should.

EPA officials say the general public is welcome to receive a more detailed outline of the plan, along with updates, this coming Thursday. This is when U.S. Steel will be holding their quarterly Community Involvement Team Effort meeting.

Meeting Involves Community

During this meeting, U.S. Steel will supposedly be giving an update on where the waste will be placed once it’s removed from the groundwater. The waste is planned to be taken to an on-site landfill. The landfill, which is known as the corrective action management unit (CAMU), is a place where U.S. Steel has placed dredged, contaminated sediment from the Grand Calumet River.

Among the waste U.S. Steel hopes to place in the CAMU is the waste brought about by the groundwater remediation project, along with other hazardous waste from cleaning up a sludge-filled lagoon on site.

However, not all are in agreement with this plan as officials have seen in the past. Local environmentalists have openly expressed their concerns about adding more waste, mostly because this could mean it may take longer to close the landfill to limit air pollution in the future.

Veterans Diagnosed with Cancer from Benzene Exposure

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:31:10 -0500

Those who served our country in past and were exposed to cancerous chemicals like benzene are now dealing with aftermath that toxic exposure can have on our lives. The men and women who are now U.S. veterans are also now have aware of the repercussions of benzene exposure and how important it it to have access to medical screening in order to live a healthy, happy life.

However, there is currently no government set program available to veterans of war so they can be screened, even if they worked and lived in highly toxic environments. Among the illnesses many of these veterans are being diagnosed with due to exposure to deadly chemicals like benzene, is bladder cancer.

Benzene Causes Rare Cancers

According to Dr. Robert Schlesinger, who is a retired Army Colonel and urologist, “Organic compounds in general, and benzene containing compounds specifically are recognized as carcinogenic for the lining of the entire urinary tract, kidneys, ureters and bladder. There is no dispute regarding this.”

Although bladder cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths and it can be detected through an inexpensive and non-invasive medical test, it is still alarming that the government hasn't set up free screening for those who could be at high risk.

Toxic Chemicals Common on Military Sites

From research conducted in 2003 by the Air Force, 1,400 military sites across the country were found to be contaminated with benzene and other known carcinogens. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Priority List (Superfund) lists multiple organic solvent, benzene included, and other contaminants for military bases. However, veterans haven't been notified of much of this information.

Over 130 military bases throughout the United States currently serve as hazardous waste sites. The extent of contamination on the land, in the water, and in the air is reportedly so severe that federal action is required in order to prevent further health damage. According to many environmental officials, the issue isn't just about a few empty barrels releasing toxins on an open lot. Instead, it's about veterans who worked and lived where chemicals like benzene were prevalent, now resulting in several cases of mutations and cancer diagnoses.

Houston Mayor Fights Against Benzene Pollution

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:36:18 -0500

According to recent reports, the Mayor Bill White of Houston, Texas, has enlisted Harris County's chief lawyer to crack down on pollution coming in from outside the city by surrounding plants. White hopes that in conjunction with the help of other city officials, a clean region can be achieved for the people of Houston and their surrounding environment.

Under a recent agreement which was finalized, Houston's Air Quality Control Bureau will be supplying personnel and equipment to investigate the air quality of Harris County. White hopes that through research he will better be able to pursue civil suits against polluters throughout Houston.

Reports claim that these cases hoped to be pursued would involve the polluters on the outskirts of Houston. There are reportedly only three major industrial sources of pollution inside the city of Houston, while there are dozens that surround the county.Among the toxins believed to be admitted into the air daily is the cancerous chemical known as benzene.

White his nearing the end of his third term as the city's mayor and during his time in office he has earned high marks from environmental groups by taking action to better the environment. He has also been known to challenge both federal and state regulators, along with the petrochemical industry, over the emissions of hazardous chemicals like benzene.

Mayor Takes Action

At one time during while serving as mayor of Houston, White reportedly pushed to fine plants outside Houston up to $2,000 a day for emitting benzene into the city's air. According to reports, these threat brought about opposition from other city officials, as well as state lawmakers who claimed he had overstepped his boundaries.

“We listened to those concerns, and we agreed that every jurisdiction should be involved,” White said. “Now we have a great partner.”

Benzene Exposure Still Haunts Those Involved in 9/11

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:46:08 -0500

A rally was held last week in Liberty Plaza in New York City in an effort to help those who have been affected by the toxic chemicals left behind on September 11, 2001. Among those who were a part of the rally was Esther Regelson, a local resident of the city and board member of 9/11 Environmental Action.

According to Regelson, it was the benzene burning jet fuel, joined with the mercury from the smashed fluorescent lighting, lead from the computers, and dioxins from the melting plastics that are still affecting the health of those who were around the World Trade Centers on that fateful day.

Group Committed to Helping Victims of Benzene Exposure

Regelson’s group, is a part of a major coalition that has been committed to helping better the health of post 9-11 workers. Workers and residents who inhaled toxic chemicals like benzene when the towers collapsed reportedly held placards in three different languages, demanding the U.S. government to provide them with health care and compensation for their wrongful exposure.

The rally was based around a theme regarding a recent survey which was conducted by the 9/11 EA and Beyond Ground Zero groups. The survey reportedly revealed that 200 people present in the areas surrounding the World Trade Centers are still, years later, being afflicted with health problems due to toxic chemical exposure.

Many victims of benzene exposure have reported that they are chronically ill. Research also shows that only five percent were able to recover from their sicknesses, and one-third have seen no improvements.

The controversial survey calls attention to the lack of oversight, on the government’s part, into those with health problems due to the events of 9/11. Regelson and the others who took part in the rally hope that with their continued efforts victims of benzene exposure and those exposed to other cancerous chemicals will be provided the health care they need and deserve.

Benzene Exposure Still Haunts Those Involved in 9/11

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:46:08 -0500

Group Committed to Helping Victims of Benzene Exposure

Artificial Turf Causes Concerns at Schools

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:03:09 -0500

Recent reports express concern regarding the artificial turf that is often used at football fields at many of the country's high schools and colleges. One person discovered there could be risks first hand as he researched whether or not to order turf for the high school he works for. He still awaits the results of studies being conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before he is going to take any action, or risks.

Turf: Safe or Toxic?

John Murray recently did some shopping, and research, for an artificial-turf field for Camden Catholic High School. What he found instead of a new field, was information that would make his decision a hard one.

According to Murray he came across piles of documents regarding the toxic chemicals, such as benzene, that could be found in the ground-up tires. These tires are reportedly used so the turf has enough cushioning.

Still Waiting on the EPA

It's been over a year since the EPA initially began looking into the risks behind turf and the effects it may have on children.Though they have yet to make a clear conclusion on whether turf can serve as a haven for benzene exposure or not. Meanwhile, sstatistics show that an estimated 800 turf fields continue to open throughout the country each year. at roughly 800 a year.

Many wonder why the EPA is stalling on their studies.

"If safeguarding children's health is a top priority at EPA, why can't this multibillion-dollar agency afford to take a hard look at what is in our playgrounds, schoolyards and athletic fields?" says Jeff Ruch, the director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

Until a clear answer becomes evident and publicized, Murray intends to be cautious in his decision regarding Camden's football fields and feels others should take the same precaution.

Grand Island Residents Voice Concern Over Benzene Exposure

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:28:27 -0500

According to recent reports, the residents of Grand Island in New York are growing increasingly concerned regarding a nearby plant they believe to be emitting benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause serious health problems to those exposed to it overtime. It is used in the production of many chemicals, gasoline, and even soft drinks and can often victimize people through inhalation and ingestion.

One resident who knows all too much about the implications of benzene exposure is Lovisa Anderson. Anderson is currently battling cancer in her lymph nodes and is undergoing intense chemotherapy. Anderson was diagnosed last year and was unaware of what may have caused her sudden cancer diagnosis until she hears about a recent study conducted by the New York Department of Conservation.

Study Exposes Ugly Truth About Local Plant

The study discovered that there were high levels of benzene in the air surrounding the community of Grand Island. The toxic air was immediately linked to the nearby Tonawanda Coke plant.
Anderson then found out that she isn't the only local resident suffering from an illness due to benzene exposure. Soon after her diagnosis, her sister-in-law, who lives down the street, was also diagnosed with cancer.Later on in the year, five more neighbors died due to exposure or are now living with cancer.

"My residents are sick, they have been sick for 30 years," stated Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello (D) at a news conference Saturday afternoon at Beaver Island State Park.
Ianello, along with state Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, environmentalists and residents are currently gathered trying to pressure the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state officials to temporarily close the toxic plant until the benzene problem is under control.

Benzene Plagues Cape Town

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:44:14 -0500

The negative social consequences of methamphetamine usage in Cape Town has been publicly talked about, but now researchers are announcing that residents may have more to worry about. Experts are raising concerns about the negative impact the drug is having on the environment. The drug, which is more commonly referred to as tik, consists of several toxic chemicals, including the known carcinogen, benzene.

Production of Meth on the Rise

According to the national narcotics head for organized crime with the SAPS, Deven Naicker, 13 kilograms and 1,953 units (tablets) were confiscated from labs throughout the world in 2007. All of the labs under investigation were reportedly manufacturing crystal methamphetamine. The problem being worse in some areas, especially Cape Town.

“It’s very concerning because six kilograms of highly toxic waste is produced from every 1kg manufactured,” says Naicker.

Toxic waste consisting of benzene and other harmful chemicals. All of which innocent people and the environment are then exposed to.

“The chemicals are highly toxic, and waste dumped into streams, rivers, fields, backyards and sewage systems can contaminate water resources for humans and animals,” the SAPS website states.

The leader of the police’s forensic science and chemical laboratory in Cape Town, Commander Jaco Westraat, has stated that methamphetamine labs were a very true reality in the area and “very concerning” due to the toxic impacts of producing the drug.

“It’s very concerning because there are by products as a result of manufacturing the drug which are then simply disposed down the drain and eventually reach the environment,” says Westraat.

Worldwide Benzene Levels Expected to Rise

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:41:41 -0500

Even though the demand for benzene around the world has reportedly slowed and the risks of the chemical have been confirmed, new reports claim that benzene use is expected to rise in the upcoming years. Studies show that due to the global economic downturn the supply of benzene is slowly increasing. Beginning at the end of 2009, the global capacity of benzene is expected to rise considerably, which according to researchers, is concerning. So how will the effect the United States?

Researchers believe that the U.S. has already taken steps in the right direction to delay this increase and prevent benzene exposure from negatively affecting more people throughout the country. The U.S. is one of the first country's who has called for benzene to be removed from gasoline. Federal regulations are going to require that the level of benzene in gasoline be lowered from 1.2% to 0.6% by 2011.

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a known carcinogen that has been used for many years in the production of gasoline, rubber cements, spot removers, and even some soft drinks. This toxic chemical has been known to cause a variety of illness to those who are exposed to it, whether through inhalation or ingestion, over an extended period of time. Among the health conditions that can arise from benzene exposure are blood disorders like anemia and leukemia.

Exposure to the chemical can also lower the immune system and have a negative impact on the liver, kidneys, brain, and lungs. Thousands of lawsuit have been filed in recent years worldwide due to people, both at work and in their homes, being wrongfully exposed to benzene. Benzene attorneys have given victims of benzene exposure support and even helped them receive compensation for any health problems the chemical has caused them.

U.S. Refiners Expect to Pay $800 Million to Remove Benzene From Gasoline

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:57:28 -0500

According to recent reports, oil refiners throughout the United States are expecting to spend an estimated $832 million to lower the benzene content in gasoline. This large sum of money will supposedly go toward the engineering and construction of lowering the levels of the chemical from such a commonly used substance.

The lowering of benzene in gasoline, which contains a good portion of benzene, is expected to take at least three years, according to recently collected data. Twenty-five projects have been planned to help with the efforts to find a substitution for the chemical in gasoline in an attempt to lower benzene exposure across the country.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reportedly sparked the benzene concerns in 2007 when they issued a rule on mobile source air toxins. According to the future plans for the lowering of benzene in gasoline, Phase II of this rule is reportedly set to become effective as of January 1, 2011.

The plans state that “small refiners," are going to be allotted more time than the bigger oil refiners to become up to par with the new standards.

Tonawanda Factory Puts Community at Risk for Benzene Exposure

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:40:03 -0500

Recent reports claims that the Tonawanda Coke facility in upper state New York is posing a threat to the community and environment which it surrounds. Residents are voicing their concerns about the state of the air and water in the area and are claiming that clean air is something they're "being deprived of."

Tonawanda Coke is just one of 52 air-regulated facilities that's located within a five-mile radius of the Town of Tonawanda. To make matters worse, it is also known to be one of the main producers of benzene. Benzene is a toxic chemical that has been linked to a variety of cancer, particularly cancers of the blood such as leukemia. Birth defects are another risk for those who are exposed to benzene in large amounts.

Study Finds High Levels of Benzene at Plant

When the state Department of Environmental Conservation recently conducted studies at the plant, they reportedly found that the Tonawanda facility had been releasing benzene at levels that are 75 times higher than recommended guidelines. Not only are these levels abnormally and alarmingly high, but it was also discovered that they are up to two times more than what company officials have been reporting.

Meanwhile, more and more people in the town of Tonawanda are being diagnosed with cancers. Many believe that history is simply repeating itself, and for fear of more cancer cases being diagnosed, residents are demanding that the government take action to save their town.

According to reports, in 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection fined a coke plant in Erie, Penn. which is under the same ownership as the Tonawanda plant for $6.1 million fine due to high levels of benzene and poor air quality violations. As of now, city officials and residents are joining forces to get the Tonawanda situation underhand and the air clean before more people become the victims of benzene exposure.

Benzene Leak Sends Community Indoors

dave@burke-eisner.com (David Austin) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:16:23 -0500

A recent benzene leak in the small Canadian town of Sarnia caused quite a commotion and sent the community in their houses for fear of exposure to the deadly toxin. The leak reportedly came from a tank at a nearby plant, and although officials say it was a quickly contained, they did order all residents to be cautious and not be outdoors if not necessary for the rest of the day. Researchers are sill investigating exactly what caused the leak.

Community Concerned About Benzene Exposure

Officials for the air quality in Port Huron and the surrounding communities state the communities surrounding the plant were not affected by the benzene leak. However, local residents are still concerned about the risk of benzene exposure and whether or not the toxic chemical has reached the groundwater and can affect their health in the future.

Benzene is a known carcinogen that can be found in many prodcuts including gasoline, cleaners, and soft drinks. If ingested or inhaled in large amounts, benzene can cause a variety of life-threatening illnesses including the deadly form of cancer known as leukemia.

Fast Cleanup Takes Place to Ensure Safety

According to reports, ttraffic control was initiated around the Vidal Street plant immediately following the leak and Sarnia officials ordered a shelter-in-place for local residents to go to for a safe haven to prevent benzene exposure. City officials say their particular concern at that point was the sSoutheast winds that were blowing toward Sarnia homes at the time of the leak.

Students at nearby schools were ordered to stay indoors with all the doors and windows shut until the cleanup was finalized and the air was deemed to be safe to breathe. Air monitoring was conducted by the plant and testers claim no benzene vapor's were found in the community or near the plant. But the city is also calling a private company to ensure the continued safety of its residents.