What is Benzene?

Benzene is a clear, colorless, non-corrosive, highly flammable liquid with a strong odor.  It evaporates quickly into air.  It is one type of organic solvent.  Benzene is widely used in the United States; it ranks in the top twenty chemicals for production volume.

Today, benzene is made mostly from petroleum.  Crude oil is refined by refineries.  Crude oil is the term for "unprocessed" oil, the stuff that comes out of the ground.  It is also known as petroleum.  Crude oil is a fossil fuel, meaning that it was made naturally from decaying plants and animals living in ancient seas millions of years in the past.

Crude oils are the starting point for many different substances because they contain hydrocarbons.  Benzene is a hydrocarbon found in crude oil. Refineries separate out the benzene during the refining process.  They can then sell the benzene to manufacturers of other products. In addition, refineries separate out other organic solvents such as toluene, napthas, hexane, heptane and xylene that are often contaminated with benzene.

These refined petroleum based organic solvents are also used to make other chemicals and plastics.  They are commonly found in thinners and solvents and degreasers.

People who work with or around benzene or products that contain benzene are at risk for being exposed to benzene vapors released into the air when the products are used and getting benzene on their skin.  This type of exposure may put the person at risk for developing lymphoma and leukemia years after exposure.

Legal Questions

If you have developed NHL due to toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley, LLP.   Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.   We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect.  We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case.  We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family.

Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.   We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll free telephone number is (800) 933-2244.   We look forward to helping you.