Benzene Leukemia Law Blog

Benzene Reports May Not be Accurate

David Austin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:59:20 -0500

Each year statistics regarding the amount of benzene emissions polluting the air, and people's lungs, are reported by government officials. However, a non-profit watchdog group believes these reported statistics are inaccurate and more benzene is being emitted from refineries and other sources than is being revealed. According to federal officials, benzene emissions increased an estimated nine percent at refineries across the United States between 2007 and 2008.

The non-profit group, Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), thinks refineries across the country may be undereporting their emissions of benzene. In some cases, they believe numbers aren't being given at all, and in others, they believe refineries are giving inconsistent numbers to regulators. Reports from the EIP state that the reports from 2007-2008 came about even though there was a decline in the demand for products containing petroleum in 2009. This forced some refineries to reduce their production. Due to misleading and confusing reports such as this, the EIP believes reports are being given without any true backing.

The EIP has publicly stated that, "continued uncertainty over the quality and accuracy of reporting makes it difficult to know how much real progress has been made in the effort to decrease benzene emissions. Some companies that report relatively high emissions may actually be doing a more careful job measuring their releases than others. However, there is also evidence that benzene emissions on the whole are being undereported due to outdated and inaccurate emission factors and conflicting reports submitted by industry."

The Effects of Benzene Exposure

Benzene is a chemical compound that has been found to be highly toxic and can cause various cancers and other health ailments to those exposed over time. It has also been found to cause harm to the environment. Benzene was originally used as an industrial solvent, especially to help degrease metals. However, through the years it's been used to produce plastics, in the production of gasoline, as an ingredient in cigarettes, and even exists in some soft drinks.

If you are exposed to benzene, you are at risk of developing life-threatening illnesses, such as anemia caused by benzene and acute myleoid leukemia. There has not been a cure found for many of the health conditions caused by this carcinogen, which is why it's so important to be educated on its effects and aware of how much benzene is being emitted.

Fear of Benzene Exposure in Georgia

David Austin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:42:01 -0500

According to recent reports, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority is looking into a welcoming a company that would recycle lubricant oil into their county lines. However, the authority's vice chairman, Frank Amerson, opposes this decision for fear of the environmental and health implications it could have on the community. The company in talks to establish themselves in Macon, Georgia, is Green Renewable Oil, a Massachusetts based company who is partnered with Sequoia Energy & Environment. The plant is in negotiations to be in the Allied Industrial Park in South Macon and would focus on removing toxins, such as benzene, from motor oil.

Amerson's concerns not only stem from the fact that benzene is a known carcinogen that could be emitted throughout the community, but also because the company has failed to answer questions regarding how they are going to be handling the benzene to prevent exposure. He also states that a Nevada re-refinery that uses the same technology as Green Renewable Oil and Sequoia plan to use, have been under much scrutiny recently due to environmental violations.

Meeting Hoped to Expose Truth Cancelled

Amerson had reportedly planning to bring the facts to the table at a meeting with the industrial authority's Properties Committee later this week. But the meeting was cancelled after Green Renewable Oil representatives backed out. Due to the cancellation Amerson met with the vice chairman of the economic development commission to voice his concerns publicly.

About a dozen similar refineries exist across the state of Georgia and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Web site claims these refineries emit chemicals that can contribute to the ozone and climate change. These chemicals, such as benzene, are also linked to various forms of cancer, lung problems, and other health conditions. As of now the talks of the refineries existence in Macon seem to be moving forward, though Amerson and other environmental officials hope to put a halt on this reestablishment for the good of the environment and the people.

Former Mechanic Linked Workplace Exposure to Leukemia

David Austin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:13:10 -0500

A former police auto mechanic who was recently diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia filed a workers compensation claim against his former employer in West Virginia. The claim states that it was due to his benzene exposure while employed with the West Virginia State Police that he is now suffering from this fatal form of cancer. Unfortunately, the man passed away while his case was on appeal after it was originally denied.

It was following his death that the Supreme Court of Appeals came to a conclusion that there was in fact a link between his exposure to benzene on the job and the development of leukemia. Leukemia is one of the many illnesses that is associated with benzene exposure. Through the medical literature and witness testimony the plaintiff has prepared prior to his death, it was found that there was no other cause for his leukemia, than the benzene he worked with and around while employed as a mechanic.

Employer Fights Back

The employer fought back against the workplace exposure claims brought against them claiming that the evidence provided was not accurate or medically significant. However, the court rejected these arguments and sided with the deceased mechanic.

According to West Virginia laws, a worker is able to show a link between an occupational disease and their employment under two conditions: 1) They have significant studies and research that clearly show how the disease is associated with a workplace hazard, and 2) If they can show that they were exposed to a hazard and as a result are now suffering from a disease connected to this hazard.

The mechanic was able to prove both and as a result his claims proved successful and those he left behind will be compensated on his behalf.

The Breakdown on Benzene Poisoning

David Austin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:38:20 -0500

You may know what benzene is and that it’s linked to various types of leukemia and other fatal illnesses. But what does it mean to get benzene poisoning? Benzene poisoning typically happens when benzene is inhaled. Your skin can also be exposed to benzene, but the chemical doesn’t easily absorb into the skin.

When you inhale benzene it targets the blood-forming tissues of the body. Benzene is so powerful that it is able to effectively damage the bone marrow where the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets form in the body. Since these three components are essential in the makeup of the blood, a shortage of them can result in several blood disorders and diseases.

Diseases Caused by Benzene Poisoning

Research has shown that benzene poisoning can cause anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Though, among all the diseases caused by benzene poisoning, leukemia is among the most serious. Exposure to benzene can causeacute leukemia, which develops rapidly, as well as chronic leukemia, which progresses at a slower pace.

Acute benzene poisoning is what someone experiences when they are exposed to a high level of benzene during a short period of time. This type of exposure is most common in enclosed spaces like a tank or vessel that is coated with benzene residues. Acute benzene poisoning can also happen from spills or equipment failure. Acute poisoning can negatively affect the central nervous system causing dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and incoherent speech. In more severe case acute benzene poisoning can be fatal.

Chronic benzene poisoning occurs when someone experience exposure to low levels of benzene over a long duration of time. If someone is treated for acute exposure and survives, he or she is at risk of developing chronic, lasting affects associated with their exposure to the toxic chemical. Some common symptoms of chronic benzene poisoning are tiredness, weight loss, and headaches.

Things to Consider When Filing a Benzene Exposure Lawsuit

David Austin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:13:56 -0500

Benzene is an organic compound that comes in liquid form and is often colorless. It is widely known as being one of the main compounds in gasoline, but it is also used in the production of some plastics and soft drinks. Benzene in cigarettes and drugs has also been discovered by researchers. Research in recent years has linked exposure to benzene with some forms of cancers and other health complications. It has also been publicized as being a toxic carcinogen. Some illnesses associated with benzene exposure are:

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Myelodysplastic Disease (MDS)
Other forms of cancer

One of the worst parts about being exposed to benzene? You can be exposed to benzene without even knowing it. Each day people are exposed to this carcinogen at work, their home, and at schools around the world without even knowing it. But if you do develop one of these illness or discover you have been the victim of benzene exposure you can take legal action. There are just a couple of things to consider before contacting your benzene attorney.

Be Prepared Before Filing Your Suit

Before you contact an attorney consider where you may have been exposed. You may have the right to sue the manufacturers or distributors of products containing benzene due to the negative health affects they’ve had on you or a loved one. You may also find that you’ve been exposed at your place (or former place) of employment or a school you attended. In this case, you may have a case regarding benzene workplace safety or negligence. In any case, it’s important to know who the likely parties are to sue for your illness in order to add value to your lawsuit.

Having your case go to the right court is also key in receiving a settlement in a benzene lawsuit. Some home courts have more favorable rules and a local jury which may be more sympathetic to your situation. It is also important to know and understand the statute of limitations. This is a time limit that all claims have and if you don’t file your case within a certain period of time, you will lose your right to recovery. These time periods vary depending on the state you file in and the type of case you have. Since there are many small components that go into filing a successful case it’s important to also hire a benzene attorney who specializes in benzene cases and can lend you the proper support and details you will need.

Family Voices Concern About Benzene Infested Water

David Austin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:34:14 -0500

The Channing family of Wisconsin claims they refuse to drink the water at their home. They may cook with it and bathe in it but they refuse to drink what they claim to be water infested with benzene.

According to Joe and Kathy Channing, they recently learned that leaking tanks at an old gas station near their house has been polluting their water. However, they were later informed that the problem was being taken care of and the state was going to close the case.

They say they were puzzled as to why no one had never told them about the water which was contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen. This way especially confusing and alarming since the gas station has been close for more than ten years, which means their water may have been polluted this entire time.

“We have so many questions,” Kathy has told reporters. “But the part that gets me is if they would have told us, we would have had the opportunity to move.”

Water Causes Concern Regarding Benzene Exposure

The Channings reportedly moved to their home in 1983 and are now concerned about their long-term health considering for a majority of this time they may have been unknowingly exposed to benzene. Benzene is a carcinogen that is contained in gasoline and has been known to cause fatal illnesses like acute myeloid leukemia and other rare blood disorders. The substance is most harmful when ingested or inhaled over a long period of time.

They are also hesitant to trust state officials who are now claiming the case is “taken care of”considering they hid the problem from the family for so long. The family says they recently received a letter regarding the groundwater contamination that made its way to their property.

The letter reportedly said that the polluted groundwater was receding and would continue to dissolve over time. Though for Kathy, the letter seemed to be missing some pieces and believes that given the history of the gas station, and the governments secrecy regarding the issue, the DNR can’t know for certain whether or not the contamination is dissipating. The Channings are now looking into hiring a benzene attorney, who specializes in benzene-related cases, to help them investigate and receive compensation for the state’s negligence.

$100M Awarded to BP Workers Exposed to Benzene

David Austin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:08:52 -0500

A federal jury recently awarded more than $100 million in a benzene lawsuit to ten former BP workers who were supposedly exposed to benzene and other toxic chemicals while employed with BP in Texas City. The workers worked at the Texas oil refinery and the award was received after the history of the refinery and its benzene issues were exposed in court.

According to reports, the benzene case was the first of an estimated 100 toxic chemical lawsuits that have been filed against BP. These lawsuits have reportedly involved 143 BP workers and residents who live near the Texas oil refinery. All of the plaintiffs there was a release of gases from the oil refinery; however, BP refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can lead to the development of leukemia and other fatal illnesses in the case of prolonged exposure.

Benzene Exposure Sparks Lawsuit

The benzene lawsuit says that the toxic release from the refinery exposed the community and environment to benzene and other harmful chemicals like aluminum silica. As a result of the release many workers and residents claim the quality of the air noticeably changed and caused many personal injuries.

BP officials have maintained throughout the extent of the lawsuit that there was no release of benzene or any other toxic fumes in Texas City. They claimed in court that foul smell of chemicals may have blown in from another refinery in the nearby area. However, plaintiffs fought back against the corporation stating that the company failed to identify and take responsibility for about 70% of the toxic releases that occurred from the Texas City refinery.

Reports state that $10 million was awarded to the 10 plaintiffs in punitive damages and in addition the Galveston jury awarded $326,000 in compensatory damages for the personal injuries endured by the plaintiffs. The individual damage awards that went to each of the workers reportedly ranged depending on the extent of their injuries between $5,918 to $244,386. Attorneys that specialize in benzene cases reportedly represented many of the clients.

Air Tests in North Texas Concern Community

David Austin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:26:09 -0500

Recent natural gas drilling in North Texas has fueled concerns regarding benzene exposure. The community fears that the water and air are being polluted with benzene, which is a known carcinogen.

Recent air tests within the surrounding areas where the drilling is being conducted showed high concentrations of benzene and other chemicals. The toxins were found both around the drilling site itself as well as in the surrounding communities.

More Tests for Benzene Requested

According to reports, cities, counties, and the state’s environmental agencies are now waiting for the follow-up testing they’ve requested to be done. They also are hoping that further action will be taken to ensure the communities and the environment is protected from benzene exposure.

The study that already took place is reportedly scheduled to be released later this month. During the study, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is said to have monitored more than 60 different areas throughout Tarrant, Denton, Parker, Johnson and Wise counties. This was done to help gather essential data, which the agency’s toxicology division is now analyzing. The results from tests conducted in November are supposedly going to be released to the public in February.

Although there’s no telling at this point what the state studies will find, individual tests have many worried and fearful for their health and the health of their children. The communities concerns even provoked TCEQ officials to meet with operators in the Barnett Shale to ask them to voluntarily reduce the amount of benzene being released.

Michael Honeycutt, who works as the toxicology director for TCEQ, says the level of benzene exposure at one site is comparable to “breathing constant gasoline fumes”. This type of exposure to a chemical like benzene has been known to cause cancers such as leukemia to those exposed over a long period of time. Long-term exposure to benzene in the air can cause leukemia.

Wife Files Benzene Lawsuit After Husband's Exposure

David Austin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:30:00 -0500

A benzene lawsuit was recently filed against Chevron USA by the widow of a man who passed away due to benzene exposure. The wife claims that it was because of her husband's former employer that he was diagnosed with a benzene related illness and his life was taken too soon. The man was reportedly employed by Chevron USA for many years and it was during his time as a refinery worker that he was exposed to the toxic chemical.

Wife Seeks Benzene Attorney and Justice

Louise Parker reportedly researched the cancerous chemical known as benzene and linked it to her husband's death in 2008. Following his premature death she sought the legal help of a benzene attorney who specializes in benzene-related cases to seek justice for her late husband.

According to the lawsuit, Ray Parke was employed by Gulf Oil, which is now Chevron, and worked in their refinery for many years. During his career with the global company he was reportedly exposed to benzene, which has been known to cause leukemia and other rare blood disorders. Parker eventually developed multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic and his life was taken in December of 2008.

Parker's wife claims that for decades Chevron was aware of the hazardous risks associated with benzene products but failed to inform their workers or give them any form of protection. Instead, they continued to exposure their unknowing employees to the toxic chemicals for years.

The benzene lawsuit also states that Chevron failed to take the necessary precautions regarding engineering, safety, and industrial hygiene to be sure that Parker was not exposed to benzene.

With the help of her benzene attorney, Parker is suing Chevron for exemplary damages.

Wife Files Benzene Lawsuit After Husband's Exposure

David Austin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:30:00 -0500

The benzene lawsuit also states that Chevron failed to take the necessary precautions regarding engineering, safety, and industrial hygiene to be sure that Parker was not exposed to benzene.

With the help of her benzene attorney, Parker is suing Chevron for exemplary damages.

Benzene Problems in Fort Worth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.