Benzene and Other Toxic Solvents and Chemicals

Benzene is a known human carcinogen. Work-related exposure to benzene has been linked to the development of blood cancers and blood disorders. Examples of blood diseases that may be caused by occupational benzene exposure include acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (which can progress into acute myelogenous leukemia over time), aplastic anemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Certain other toxic solvents and chemicals may also be a cause of blood cancers and disorders.

Benzene is a type of chemical known as a “volatile aromatic hydrocarbon.” Once used as a solvent itself, it is today a common component of solvents, mineral spirits, and de-greasers. It is also contained in products used to clean and de-grease tools, machine parts, and metal parts. Benzene is also used in the production of plastics, rubber, resins, nylon, glues, dyes, detergents and pesticides. It is even used in the production of such chemicals as styrene. It naturally occurs in crude oil and is a component of petroleum products, including gasoline.

Documented cases of benzene-related blood diseases date back to before the turn of the 20th Century. The relationship between benzene and leukemia was first reported in 1928. In 1948, the American Petroleum Institute published a report linking benzene exposure to leukemia, concluding that the only safe level of benzene exposure is no exposure at all. Since that date, various studies have demonstrated that a number of trades–including plastics workers, painters, gasoline distribution workers, petroleum refinery workers, chemical workers, rubber workers, and printing press operators--have an increased risk of developing leukemia and other blood cancers and blood disorders as a result of their work-related exposure to benzene.

Workers who work with benzene or related solvents and chemicals risk exposure to benzene by inhaling vapors that evaporate from the chemicals. Workers can also absorb benzene through their skin from handling solvents and chemicals--for example, by using rags soaked with solvents or mineral spirits or accidentally splashing solvents on the skin. Liquid Wrench is one popular brand of mineral spirits that once contained benzene. Studies have shown that even relatively low levels of benzene exposure can cause leukemia and other blood cancers and blood disorders.

For descriptions of some of the industries where benzene and benzene-containing products have been commonly used, please visit our companion Web site at www.leukemialawyer.com.

This Web site is sponsored by the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. Please understand that the information provided is not legal advice, but is simply offered as a resource to help you learn about leukemia, lymphoma and benzene.

Benzene can cause leukemia and lymphoma and other blood cancers and disorders. If you have been diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma cancer and would like information about your legal rights, please call us at 800-946-9646 or e-mail us at

Please also visit our glossary for helpful definitions of medical terms relating to the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.