Automotive mechanics are exposed to benzene by breathing fumes from degreasers, paint, solvents, fuel emissions, and more. Benzene is a toxic industrial chemical that is associated with cancers like Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
Need a Texas Benzene Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one is a mechanic who was diagnosed with AML or MDS, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a chemical that is colorless, highly-flammable, and sweet-smelling. It evaporates very quickly and is heavier than air. Benzene is commonly used in paint, glues, solvents, and as a gasoline additive.
Benzene in Solvents
Solvents are chemicals that dissolve built-up grease and grime without damaging metal. Mechanics use benzene-containing solvents to clean or repair brakes, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, engines, and more. Mechanics breathe benzene fumes and absorb it through their skin. Over time, exposure to benzene can cause cancer or leukemia.
How are Automotive Workers Exposed to Benzene?
People who work in auto body shops are exposed to benzene in a variety of ways. The most common way is by breathing vehicle exhaust or fumes from products that contain benzene, such as:
- Adhesives
- Brake fluid
- Butane
- Calibrating fluid
- Carburetor cleaner
- Cigarette smoke
- Cleaning agents
- Clear coats
- Diesel fuel
- Engine degreaser
- Esso Rust-Ban
- Gasoline
- Glue
- Hydraulic fluid
- Lacquer
- Lighter fluid
- Liquid Wrench
- Lubricant
- Motor oil
- Naphtha
- Oil
- Paint
- Paint thinner
- Polish
- Rubber cement
- Solvents
- Sealants
- Spot remover
- Varnish
- Vinyl
- Vehicle emissions
- And more
Does Benzene Cause Cancer?
Yes. Benzene is known to cause cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Studies have found higher rates of leukemia, particularly Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), in workers exposed to benzene on the job.
Types of Cancer Linked to Benzene Exposure
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
- Aplastic anemia
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Blood cancers
- Childhood leukemia
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Hematologic cancer
- Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Daughter of Former Auto Mechanic Files Benzene Exposure Lawsuit
In June 2013, the daughter of a former auto mechanic filed a lawsuit alleging that her father’s death from Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) was caused by 40 years of benzene exposure on the job.
The Lawsuit (PDF) was filed on behalf of Bruce W. Leslie, a mechanic at Automotive Service in New Orleans. According to the lawsuit:
“From 1946 through 1985, Mr. Leslie would regularly use or come into contact with pure benzene or benzene-containing products including gasoline, diesel and other solvents. In 2005, Mr. Leslie was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.”
The lawsuit was filed on June 13, 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana — In RE: Leslie, et al. v. Shell Chemical LP, et al. — Case No. 13-04791.
Need a Benzene Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Benzene lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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